In the Christmas Bells Book, there are two arrangements for 8-note handbells ("Angels We Have Heard On High," "The First Noel"), 3 arrangements for 13-note handbells ("Infant Holy" and "Three Kings," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"), and three arrangements for 20-note handbells ("Deck the Halls," "Bring a Torch," "Jeannette, Isabelle," "What Child Is This?").

Each arrangement can be performed with one 20-note handbell set. Using two or more bell sets will allow players to combine the melodies and descants, and it will also allow more players to practice and perform. Doubled parts and other chromatic instruments (bell sets, Orff instruments, handbells, Belleplates, choir chimes) can be added at the director's discretion and will make interesting contrasts in timbre. The publisher grants the purchaser of the book permission to copy the written score for the handbell ensemble under their direction.