I just finished putting together a gallery of Christmas songs for Beliefnet, featuring 12 unique and favorite versions of carols like “Silent Night” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel” from artists like Casting Crowns and Jars of Clay.
I listened to dozens and dozens of Christmas songs over the last few weeks, to the point that I was Christmas-songed out. But as I listened, I realized that there are certain Christmas songs that just define the holiday.

Despite the fact that it drives my darling husband nuts, for example, it’s just not Christmas without Alvin and the Chipmunks – the original, not the remake. And no artist can compare to Bing Crosby crooning “White Christmas” or The Carpenters singing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Those are songs I remember from my childhood, and they conjure up memories of family and friends.
So what is your favorite Christmas song, and what makes it so special? Is there a certain song that brings back a special Christmas memory?