I have to say, I thought those rewritten lyrics were pretty bad, too. I have seen similar efforts by other writers. I don't understand why the need to have the song be "paganized" is so intense that one would sacrifice fine old lyrics for sappy new ones.

As both a pagan and singer I have been interested for many years in songs of the Yuletide that reflect the beauty of nature, and do not so much emphasize the Christ aspect. Here are but a few fine old songs that to me really capture a "pagan" spirit of the season:

The Gloucestershire Wassail
Oaken Logs
The Boar's Head Carol
The Wexford Carol (John Renbourn's version)
Carol of the Bells
The Fairest Maid
The Holly and the Ivy
Lullay My Liking
Sheep 'Neath the Snow