Every year, I love listening to some holiday classics. I like listening to ones that I can pretend to be sipping warm hot chocolate by a flickering fire, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Here are some of my favorite versions of classic holiday songs that get me excited each and every year.

"Greensleeves"

This classic song didn't originate as a Christmas song. It was actually a ballad dating back to the late 1500s, and there are several contenders for its composition. However, it is now played most often around the holiday season, and it's gentle melody and beautiful chords are rich and soothing to me.

"Carol of the Bells"

There are plenty of versions of this song, whether it be by Trans Siberian Orchestra or Pentatonix. However, this version will always be my favorite one, as hard as it is to find.

"Sleigh Ride"

Ask any band kid who played around the holidays in high school. This. This song right here. An old classic full to the brim with memories.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Love, love, love this version. It's so big and echoing and beautiful. It gets me way too excited for Christmas with it's changing dynamics and chords.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

It's a song detailing the story of Jesus in Bethlehem with a shepherd boy and the star. But I love the music, Bing Crosby's voice, and the chords that make this song special.

"Jingle Bell Rock"

And here is my classic, holiday "Jingle Bell Rock" song. Just doesn't seem like Christmas if he doesn't sing.

If you want to hear some more of my favorite Christmas songs, check out The Time Life Treasury of Christmas for ones that I listened to growing up. The cassette version.