Country Christmas Songs (Part One)

The song “That Christmassy Feeling” is a duet by Johnny Cash and Tommy Cash, featured on Johnny Cash’s 1972 holiday album The Johnny Cash Family Christmas. The song, written by Johnny Cash and Tommy Cash, reflects the nostalgic and joyous emotions associated with Christmas, blending themes of family, faith, and seasonal warmth.

The arrangement includes contributions from members of Johnny Cash’s backing band, The Tennessee Three, and vocal harmonies from the Carter Family. The song conveys a heartfelt celebration of the holiday spirit, highlighting unity and goodwill.

“Harlan County Coal” is a song by the Pistol Annies, a country music trio consisting of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley, featured on their 2021 album Hell of a Holiday. Written by the three members, the song captures the struggles of a coal mining family during the Christmas season, juxtaposing the hard realities of life with the enduring spirit of resilience and community.

Its lyrics vividly paint a picture of hardship, family traditions, and the sacrifices made by coal miners, reflecting the Appalachian roots that inspire much of the group’s music. The track combines rich vocal harmonies with acoustic and folk influences, staying true to the Pistol Annies’ storytelling style. The album as a whole provides a mix of heartfelt and humorous takes on the holiday season, blending traditional themes with modern, relatable narratives.

“If We Make It Through December” is a poignant song by Merle Haggard, written by Haggard himself and released as the lead single from his 1974 album Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present (Something Old, Something New). The track features Haggard’s signature heartfelt vocals

and a simple yet evocative arrangement, including pedal steel guitar and soft piano, which complement its melancholic tone. The song tells the story of a struggling father who faces financial hardships and uncertainty but remains hopeful for better times ahead. It became a crossover hit,

“Hard Candy Christmas” is a song performed by Dolly Parton, originally written by Carol Hall for the 1982 Broadway musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Parton recorded the song for the film adaptation of the musical, where she starred as Miss Mona, and it was later included in her 1984 holiday album Once Upon a Christmas,

a collaboration with Kenny Rogers. The song features a tender arrangement with soft strings and piano, allowing Parton’s emotive vocals to shine. It captures a bittersweet mix of resilience and melancholy, as the lyrics reflect on the struggles of moving on and finding hope during hard times,

“Ribbons and Bows” is a festive track by Kacey Musgraves, featured on her 2016 holiday album A Very Kacey Christmas. Co-written by Musgraves, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter, the song showcases Musgraves’ signature blend of traditional country and modern pop influences. The lyrics convey a message that material gifts are secondary to the love

and support of a real human connection. The arrangement features a lively melody with a retro vibe, incorporating elements like brass instrumentation and a catchy rhythm that evoke a nostalgic holiday spirit. Musgraves’ warm vocals and the song’s upbeat tempo make it a standout track, capturing the joy and simplicity of the holiday season.