Merle Haggard Recreates The Magic Of His Number One Signature Christmas Song ‘If We Make It Through December’

Nov 30, 2018

In 1973 Merle Haggard released his own Christmas album called “Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present.” The song that made it to the top of the charts wasn’t a typical cover, such as “Winter Wonderland” or “White Christmas.” It was his own original song entitled “If We Make It Through Christmas” that was such a major hit with fans everywhere.

Haggard wrote the hit song himself. It was the first single that was released from the album, and it became number one for four weeks on the United States Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

This beautiful song also became a number one hit for songs in Canada, as well as a crossover hit in the United States, reaching the 28th spot on the popular Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Everyone loves the story that this song tells. It is about a man who is doing his best to get through the month of December after the factory job he worked at laid him off. He knows that most people are happy because it is Christmastime, but he is sad that he will not be able to afford a gift for his young girl.

The song never caught on as a true “Christmas” song, even though it was on the Christmas album that Haggard released, due to the fact it talks about economic hardship. Because of this, Haggard decided to re-release it on a non-Christmas album in 1974.

Other artists have since recorded their own versions of this beautiful but heart-wrenching song, including Joey+Rory, an American bluegrass and country duo, who were also husband and wife. Haggard himself sung background vocals for this version.

“If We Make It Through December” is still considered one of Haggard’s signature tunes to this day.

When you listen to the song for yourself, you will definitely understand why that is. Check it out below:

What do you think of this hit song? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section and be sure that you pass on this old hit for others to enjoy again!