Nat King Cole recorded the definitive version of "The Christmas Song" in 1946, and while this 1960 re-recording is sublime, seek out the original. Although there is a heavy-handed use of orchestras and choruses on this record, Cole rises above the dreck with stellar versions of "Adeste Fidelis," "O Holy Night," and more. Originally released in September 1963, The Christmas Song [Capitol 1967] was reissued on CD in 1990 and again in 2005 with the addition of two bonus tracks.. ~ Dennis MacDonald, All Music Guide
I disagree somewhat about which Cole version of "The Christmas Song" is definative (which doesn't automaticall y mean the first version recorded). While the original 1946 tune is nice enough, the version almost always used in Christmas music presentation s (for example, terrestial radio stations) for the last generation has been the 1961 version, for good reason. First, the sound quality is much better (compare samples)..and interpretation is superior.