In 1995 I spent my first Christmas in a country that didn't celebrate Christmas: China. Well, I say it didn't celebrate Christmas - it didn't recognise the Jesus, Mary and Joseph element, but when it came to Christmas tat, it had fallen for it, hook, line and sinker.

Strings of heinous fairy lights? Check.

Terrible dancing Santas on a podium? Check.

Badly made cuddly rabbits dressed as Father Christmas? Check.

Badly spelled, gaudy Christmas cards? (‘Wish You Hoppy Christmus') Check.

And in a bid to muster some Christmas spirit, I bought it all. I tried very hard not to think about how far away my friends and family were, and let's see now, oh yes, I got drunk.

But one really good thing came out of that first, miserable Christmas. Whilst looking for a CD of Christmas carols, I came across a CD with a groovy cover designed by Keith Haring. The list of songs looked good, so I snapped it up and headed back to my un-festive apartment.

Reader, it was possibly one of the best Christmas purchases I have ever made. Fifteen funky and unusual versions of Christmas classics. Headed up by The Pointer Sisters singing ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town‘, through the Pretenders singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' Madonna sexily crooning 'Santa Baby' to Stevie Nicks singing 'Silent Night.' And my personal favourite, Run D.M.C. rapping 'Christmas in Hollis,' I do love that track.

My CD stayed with me for years. Every year I cranked it up, drank mulled wine and wrapped presents. You know, I'm sure it plays a part in reducing seasonal stress.

Then last year, it disappeared. High and low I hunted. Nothing. Nada. Rien. I buried the pain deep for most of the year, but now, as the nights draw in, and Christmas is just around the corner...

I found it on Amazon. I also found that my cherished CD was the first in a series of compilations, released in 1987. It was a benefit album to support the Special Olympics. Now it may have said all of that on the sleeve of my original CD, but my Chinese character reading skills are, err, non-existent.

So isn't that marvellous? Not only is it a cooler than cool album, it's for a worthy cause. If you make only one CD purchase this Christmas, it should be this one.

Groove on Girlfriends!