I have groups of favorites, as some lend themselves to singing and others to listening. Religious hymn that I can warble along with: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; religious piece thrilling when others are singing: the Hallelujah Chorus (which is also appropriate at Easter). O Holy Night and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day both make me tear up. For a sprightly French hymn, Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella and for a nearly nonsensical lyric but catchy English hymn, I Saw Three Ships.
Both religious and non-religious category: Ring, Christmas Bells/Carol of the Bells. Just discovered that Carol of the Bells was originally a Ukrainian New Year’s song. Now I have a favorite NY song—Auld Lang Syne is somewhat depressing.
Non-religious: Christmas in Killarney for singing (it’s really hard to stop once started), Sleigh Ride (vocal and instrumental) and the Christmas Waltz which I first heard on my Carpenter album.
I like Sleigh Ride too — fast moving and you almost can feel those horse pulling you along.