About the Song
Album: Honky Tonk Christmas
Released: 1993
In the hands of Alan Jackson, the classic “If We Make It Through December” becomes something even more poignant—an aching blend of holiday melancholy, working-class resilience, and quiet hope. Originally penned and performed by Merle Haggard in 1973, this song found new emotional resonance when Alan included his rendition on Honky Tonk Christmas, his 1993 holiday album that masterfully straddles both cheer and struggle.
Jackson doesn’t just sing the words—he inhabits them. His warm, familiar drawl wraps around every line like a wool blanket in a cold room. The story he tells is painfully familiar: a man recently laid off, trying to keep his daughter smiling during what should be the happiest time of year. There are no sleigh bells or snowflake dreams here—just the raw truth of trying to hang on through hard times, with December feeling heavier than most.
What makes this version so affecting is Alan’s sincerity. He doesn’t overplay the sadness or dress it up with glitter. Instead, he offers the song plainly and beautifully, allowing the lyrics to do their work. The sparse instrumentation—soft steel guitar, gentle piano, a steady rhythm section—keeps the mood grounded and human.
In a season so often focused on joy and plenty, “If We Make It Through December” speaks to those who face the holidays with uncertainty, with empty pockets and full hearts. It’s a reminder that Christmas, for many, is more about surviving than celebrating—and that hope, however quiet, is still a gift.
For longtime fans of Alan Jackson, this song feels like coming home—not to the decorations and wrapping paper, but to the people and perseverance that really make the season meaningful.