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Those who know me, tolerate my complicated outlook of Christmas. Someday I’ll explain it, but I will offer up ten seasonal songs that resonate with me. To be honest, I don’t listen to Christmas music, yet there is some seasonal music, a few reaching back to my childhood, that I look forward to hearing at this time of year. Enjoy.

“Carol of the Bells” – Composed by Mykola Leontovych. Included on A Winter Solstice IV, performed by a group of Windham Hill Artists, and by pianist George Winston on his album, December.

“O Tannenbaum” – Credited to Ernst Anschütz, performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio as part of the soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – Written and recorded by John Lennon & Yoko Ono. A song of hope.

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” – Written Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne, reportedly during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. While Bing Crosby made it famous, I like the Robert Goulet version.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Written by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent about soldiers determined to be home for the holiday. Famously recorded by Bing Crosby.

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Written for the television special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

“I Believe in Father Christmas” – Written by Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. An alternate version, although not by Lake is “I Believe in Dr. Christmas.”

“Jingle Bell Rock” – Credited to Joe Beal and Jim Boothe as composers, originally recorded by Bobby Helms. Featured in many films, including Lethal Weapon.

“Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring” – From A Winter’s Solstice (vol. 1), featuring David Qualey. The Windham Hill Records roster of musicians blended folk, jazz, classical and ambient genres into original songs, and new interpretations of older classics.

“Christmas Time is Here” – Another wonderful song from A Charlie Brown Christmas program, written and performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.

If I could recommend entire albums of festive, seasonal recordings, A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, and George Winston’s December, would be my picks. Mostly instrumental, these albums are jazzy, quiet, and warm the soul. Absent any pretentious holiday goo, these recordings hang in the air and stay with the listener long after the turntable arm has returned to its holder.

The melody swirls like snowflakes in the cold wind

On the lips of both young and old

To lift the soul and fill the heart

With compassion and love, how very bold