BITTER SWEET, Ky. — I know for many of us, the Christmas season is one of the busiest times of the year. So often we don’t take the time to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday.

One of my favorite things as a kid was to break out the Christmas records every Dec. 1; and yes, we waited until December in those days.

My father kept a large collection of Christmas albums from some of his favorite singers including Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jimmie Davis and Bing Crosby, to name a few.

But there was one record; one song that stood out above the rest simply titled The Christmas Song; or as it is more commonly known as, the “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” song.

For me, it isn’t the Christmas season until I hear my favorite version of this classic. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about celebrating the real reason for the season, and while this song doesn’t have any connection to the religious meaning of the holiday, it does paint a warm, simplistic picture of Christmas. It leaves me remembering a time when life was a little slower and a lot more peaceful.

The Christmas Song was written in 1944 by the late, great Mel Tormé and Bob Wells. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole, one of the most gifted voices of all time. In fact, Cole released the song a total of four times with different orchestral arrangements. It was his last version, recorded in 1961, which most people recognize.

Tormé, himself, released the song at least four different times, too. Throughout the years, the song has become the most performed of all Christmas tunes, according to Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).

Countless artists have included the classic in their Christmas collections. Some you’d expect like Andy Williams, the Carpenters, Tony Bennett; and of course, Cole’s daughter, Natalie. And some you wouldn’t expect like Twister Sister, Daffy Duck and a band called Lovedrug – not sure what that means but I didn’t ask.

My guess is so many artists equate the song with the season they feel the need to include it in their Christmas releases. But whatever the reason, I’m glad they keep recording it.

By the time I came to know The Christmas Song, a generation before me had already enjoyed it. Now, the generations that have followed have had the same opportunity, and I would imagine the chain will continue.

For the memories it evokes, I give The Christmas Song and all those artists who keep the song alive an A+, even Lovedrug.

And as the song says, “Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas, to you.”

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.