Remember when Christmas music was played just the two weeks prior to the holiday? Then, do you remember when it began playing the day after Thanksgiving? And, now, in many areas, we're beginning to hear Christmas songs being mixed in after Halloween. You can rest assured that with the turning of the calendar to November, there are many radio stations gearing up for the season.

Recently, we asked many Southern Gospel Music personalities to share with us their favorite Christmas songs or recordings. Many of the responses were predictable - but I'll admit, there were a few that caught us off guard. Here are just a few favorites we learned about....

Ernie Haase (Signature Sound) -When I go downstairs and work on the treadmill, I listen to my LPs, and I will be listening to my favorite Christmas project of all time, "A Cathedral Accapella Christmas." In my car, it's Harry Connick and Tony Bennett. In the office, I will have our TV set on the Christmas music channel.

Tim Lovelace - Most people would expect my favorite song to be "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," but it's actually "Away In A Manger" when sung by children.

Mary Alice Lovelace - Bethlehem Morning. My favorite line in that song is "Bethlehem Morning is more than just a memory, for the Child that is born there has come to set us free." I really like that it is more than just a memory and He's not just for Christmas, He's for every single day.

Jason Runnels (Down East Boys) - White Christmas. I'm from Mississippi, and we never did see snow at Christmastime.

Ronnie Booth (Booth Brothers) - The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. I have such a respect for that era and the quality of music it represents.

Gary Casto (Monument Quartet) - Birthday Of A King. I grew up with this song being sung as an annual tradition by our music director, and it became my favorite.

Jerry Goff - Joy To The World. It's an exciting song that I love to sing, and it's easy enough for people to sing along.

Keith Plott (Brian Free & Assurance) - You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch.

(This is the one that caught us by surprise the most...)

Eric Ollis (Whisnants) - Away In A Manger. It tells the complete story.

Karen Peck Gooch (New River) - Celine Dion's Christmas CD. The kids and I love it. I also love Bing Crosby's Christmas album.

Mark Bishop - Those dogs barking Jingle Bells and the Chipmunks. I get all teary-eyed when I hear Alvin take off on a song! Seriously, one of my favorite songs is "Christmastime Is Here," which is featured on A Charlie Brown Christmas. When I heard the words, I realized it paints a beautiful picture of what Christmas is.

I'll have more soon.