"Christmas songs" is the first full-length holiday release from band Jars of Clay in their 12-year career. The band includes new takes on memorable Christmas songs such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "In the Bleak Midwinter," and breaks new ground with their own original holiday songs such as "Winter Skin" and "Evergreen."

Fully embracing the Christmas spirit, Jars of Clay members decided to share their favorite Christmas songs and childhood Christmas memories with Ignite Your Faith.

Dan Haseltine, vocals
Favorite Christmas Song: "Aspen Glow" from John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas. Why? Most likely because I grew up listening to this record at Christmas, and it has over the years just become tradition.

Favorite Christmas Memory: I was 4 years old, and had seen a television ad for a game called, "JAWS." It was your basic "try to pull stuff out of the shark's mouth before the spring-loaded jaws chomp down" kind of game. I wanted it badly. When Christmas time finally arrived, I could not take it any longer. I knew my parents were in their bedroom wrapping presents, so I crept up the stairs, and tip toed to the door, and with the stealth and grace of a ninja, I cracked the door. There, unwrapped—with a bright light shining down—was the JAWS game! The sound of wrapping, and taping stopped suddenly.

I tried to creep away without being noticed, but there was no wrapping ambience to cover the sound of creaking floors, and with every step, the floors were louder and louder. But alas,no one came to the door. I had managed to escape unnoticed. Mission accomplished … or so I thought.

The next morning was Christmas Day. There was a letter to me from Santa. He told me I could have the JAWS game, but I was never allowed to sneak a peek at my presents again. I never did. And to this day, I have no idea how he found out.

Charlie Lowell, keyboards
Favorite Christmas Song: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Favorite Christmas Memory: As a 4 year old I pulled the Christmas tree over on myself. I don't actually remember it, but you should hear my mom tell the story! Shock and horror … followed by my silenc. She thought I had either inhaled pine needles or stuck a finger in a colored light bulb.I was fine, probably just scared and a little surprised.

Steve Mason, guitars
Favorite Christmas Songs: "Wonderful Christmastime" and "Twelve Days of Christmas."

Favorite Christmas Memory: I remember as a boy, our family driving through Kansas City in the family van, looking at the Plaza lights. They seemed brighter and more beautiful than Christmas lights had ever been.

Matt Odmark, guitars
Favorite Christmas Song: Anything off the Muppets and John Denver Christmas album.

Favorite Christmas Memory: The first year that my dog Mojo saw Christmas trees. He of course did what seemed only natural to him—much to our dismay and watered the tree.

Read more from 'Bands & Artists'

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