What is your favorite Christmas carol or Christmas song?

It seems that if you ask people what their favorite Christmas song is, the answer will largely depend on how they view Christmas.

If they see the holiday with a traditional Christian viewpoint, the answer will probably be one of the following hymns found in most church hymnals: “The First Noel,” “Away in the Manger,” “Joy to the World” or “Silent Night,” all with words related to the birth of Christ, complete with angels, shepherds and the star of Bethlehem.

If you think of Christmas primarily as a time for family gatherings and giving of gifts, then you probably favor such popular songs as “The Christmas Song,” made popular by Mel Torme. It is listed as the No. 1 favorite Christmas song. It touts the special atmosphere of chestnuts roasting by an open fire, and frosty noses of those hurrying home for Christmas and the expectation of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, awaiting the visit from Old Saint Nick.

“White Christmas” could be favored by northerners who have relocated to the sunny south.

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” is a poignant favorite of those spending the holidays away from loved ones. It came out during World War II and expressed the yearning of those serving in the military who longed to be home, if only in their dreams.

There are also ethnic songs of Christmas, such as “Feliz Navidad,” and don’t overlook the regional favorite, “Christmas in Dixie.”

Children may favor such tunes as “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Many children also enjoy the humor in “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

No matter how you hear or sing it, the message is clear.

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.”