"A Charlie Brown Christmas" twists and turns

Thanks to YouTube, I've heard the generous assortment of alternate takes on the newly expanded "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack.  Although I think the renditions on the original edition are still the best ones, these are some interesting different versions:

• Christmas Is Coming (#5, Take 1) (September 17, 1965) (At the 1:54 mark, there's more prominent bass and more freewheeling piano improvisation from Guaraldi.  As a result, the middle section has a slower, slyer walk of a melody than usual.)
• Christmas Is Coming (#1, Take 2 and #1, Take 7) (September 21, 1965) (It's interesting hearing a different middle section that continues the already established theme in a different key.  When Guaraldi made that transition, I envisioned a plane taking off.)
• Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal) (#1, Take 4 and #1, Take 5) (It's endearing hearing this familiar piano backdrop with guide vocals instead of finished lyrics.)
• Greensleeves (Take 6, Take 7) (October 28, 1965) (I was startled to hear "What Child Is This?" as a mambo, but it works.)
• Skating (#3, Take 3) (September 17, 1965) (If you're a drummer who thinks brushes are underused, this version is for you.)
• Skating (#7, Take 1) (September 22, 1965) (A faster tempo and a punchier arrangement.)

Knowing that there were so many versions from which to choose, it makes the choices on the original soundtrack all the more impressive.  What discerning ears Guaraldi and company had--and what an outstanding blend of styles for a soundtrack that has most deservedly stood the test of time.