Coming to town with bells on

''I love when I go into a store and it's playing,'' says Raul Malo of Christmas music at this time of year. ''It puts me in a good mood.'' (heidi schumann for the new york times/file 2007)

Raul Malo hopes to spread the holly jollies this year with his second annual Christmas tour, which pulls up its sleigh to Showcase Live in Foxborough Dec. 14. Fans of the golden-throated former Mavericks lead singer can expect to hear seasonal tunes from his chestnut-warming 2007 disc, "Marshmallow World and Other Holiday Favorites," as well as a preview of his new album, "Lucky One," due out in March. We caught up with a cheerful Malo by phone recently to talk shop - and holiday shopping.

Q. So now that you have one tour under your belt, do you know the secret to a successful holiday show?

A. The secret to doing a good holiday show is, well, for starters, to show up, that helps. [Laughs] Try not to be too drunk so that you can sing the songs, but somehow convey the essence of a party and good times without falling on your face while you're singing "Jingle Bells." [Laughs]

Q. What is the best Christmas present you ever got?

A. I got a guitar one year that was very exciting. It was a 1963 Gretsch.

Q. What is your advice for an inexpensive but from-the-heart gift in these tough economic times?

A. Well, you know those big steel drum garbage cans? Those are great for when the lights go out. You can set 'em on fire and you can sing doo-wop Christmas carols with the family while you're drinking the swill you made in the bathtub.

Q. What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?

A. January. [Laughs]

Q. So you're not a holiday guy but you're going on a Christmas tour?

A. No, no, I'm kidding. Honestly, you know what I love the most about the Christmas season? Christmas music. I love when I go into a store and it's playing. It puts me in a good mood.

Q. What can you tell us about the sound of your new album, "Lucky One?"

A. It sounds like money. [Laughs]

Q. Money being made or lost?

A. [Laughs] All of the above. It cost me a fortune to make and it'll cost me a fortune to tour, and the economy is in [the dumps]. But hey the good news is I've got a mule buggy, and I'm going to go around with my guitar and when the [expletive] hits the fan I'm going to barter. Whatever they've got - eggs, chicken, vegetables - I'll trade them for a couple of songs, you know entertain the family.