Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December" tells the story of economic hardship and a father's desire to provide his daughter with a proper Christmas.
Merle Haggard‘s original tune “If We Make It Through December” was released on his 1973 Christmas album, Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present, and became an instant hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for four weeks starting December 23, 1973.
If we make it through December
Everything’s gonna be all right I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine
Got laid off down at the factory
And there time is not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin’ hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl
Now I don’t mean to hate December
It’s meant to be the happy time of year
And my little girl don’t understand
Why daddy can’t afford no Christmas gift
If we make it through December
Everything’s gonna be alright I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine