Everybody has their own favorite country Christmas songs. Many of them highlight family, home, treasured holiday rituals, and seasonal joy. But sadly, some great country Xmas songs get routinely passed over. We hope to change that by taking a look at four of what we think are among the very best ones by leading artists. Maybe you will rethink them as well and add them to your Yuletide favorites list. They are on the bittersweet side, which I love. Here goes!
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'Where Are You Christmas' by Faith Hill
First off, I admit to having a weakness for anything - and I mean anything - that the wonderful Faith Hill sings. She has the warmest, richest, most expressive voice. When she does songs like "There You'll Be," which is the theme from the film Pearl Harbor, or "Like We Never Loved at All," I go into full-fledged emotional puddle mode. This Xmas song is from the film How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It was written by Will Jennings, Mariah Carey, and James Horner. In Faith Hill's capable hands, it comes alive. She fabulously belts it out, yet eases up on the tender passages. Winsome and wistful, it belongs on anyone's playlist. If you have had tragedies or setbacks in your life that make genuine holiday spirit and cheer hard to find, this song is for you.
'It's Christmas Eve' by LeAnn Rimes
Another outstanding female singer, LeAnn Rimes, did this memorable song that I fell in love with right away. She came to the public's attention, winning their admiration and affection, when she was just 13. The smash hit "Blue" cemented Rimes' status as a vocalist to be reckoned with. Critics have compared her to legendary Patsy Cline, who was one of Rimes' influences. Her poise and vocal power were amazing then as now. It's Christmas, Eve was a Hallmark Channel movie that Rimes acted in. The song is a definite wow that is very worth a listen...or two.
'If We Make It Through December' by Merle Haggard
You could say that this isn't strictly a traditional Christmas song, but it still earned a place in a list like this. Per Esquire, it "cuts into one of the hallmarks of country music in the most beautiful way that it simply makes sense." The melancholy track is about a dad who has no job because he was laid off and is fretting about not being able to afford a gift for his daughter for Christmas. The month of December seems like a milestone that he and she have to get through to be alright. He dreams of better times in the future. As usual, Haggard puts the theme across with deft nuance, honest emotion, and the craftsmanship of a true pro. December is a metaphor for all the obstacles we face in life.
'Hallelujah' by Carrie Underwood and John Legend
How can you lose when these two exceptional singers get together and record a song that has romance, Christmas, and strong emotion all wrapped in one? Legend and Underwood blend their stunning voices on this track from her 2020 Xmas album My Gift. This is truly a present for anybody who likes these vocalists and those who have yet to become acquainted with them.
