Christmas Without You
Ian McConnell Lyrics


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Same stockings same tree
Same carols same wreaths
Same parties same lights
Same movies at night
Same cookies same cards
Same ribbons on cars
But it all seems wrong
As long as you’re gone

So if you’re cold with nowhere to go now that winter’s rolled around this year
There’s a space by the fireplace and an Andy Williams record here
We don’t have to say that we’re back together or act like what happened didn’t leave us bruised
But it doesn’t feel like Christmas without you

I was doing okay
Only thought of you twice a day
Been going on dates
Unsuccessfully but hey
But when the leaves started falling off and the days got short
I knew you were the only one who could keep me warm
I don’t know if you felt that too
I’m sure you’ve got better things to do

But if you’re cold with nowhere to go now that winter’s rolled around this year
There’s a space by the fireplace and a Johnny Mathis record here
We don’t have to say that we’re back together or act like what happened didn’t leave us bruised
But it doesn’t feel like Christmas without you

Laughing in a Santa hat
Pretending to be Bing Crosby
Wishing days were bright and merry
It might as well be January

So if you’re cold with nowhere to go now that winter’s rolled around this year
There’s a space by the fireplace and a Tony Bennett record here
We don’t have to say that we’re back together or act like what happened didn’t leave us bruised
But it doesn’t feel like Christmas without you

No it doesn’t feel like Christmas without you





Without you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ian McConnell's song "Christmas Without You" capture the feeling of emptiness and longing during the holiday season when someone you love is not there with you. The song begins by listing all the familiar traditions and decorations that are still present, evoking a sense of familiarity and continuity. However, despite everything looking the same, it all feels wrong without the presence of the person who is absent.


The chorus addresses the person directly, offering them a place by the fireplace and the comfort of familiar Christmas records. It suggests that even though they may not be back together or able to ignore the pain of their past, their presence is still deeply missed.


In the second verse, the singer hints at their attempts to move on, going on unsuccessful dates and seemingly managing to think of the person less. However, as the seasons change and the days get shorter, they realize that the warmth and connection they once shared can only be found with this person. It acknowledges that the other person may have moved on and have other priorities, but the singer still longs for their presence during Christmas.


The song ends with a hint of nostalgia, as the singer recalls past moments of laughter and merriment, symbolized by wearing a Santa hat and pretending to be like Bing Crosby. However, the absence of the loved one turns these happy moments into a distant memory, and the season feels as empty as January.


Line by Line Meaning

Same stockings same tree
The traditional holiday decorations and symbols are in place, but it feels empty and incomplete without you.


Same carols same wreaths
The familiar songs and festive wreaths are present, but they don't bring the same joy or warmth without your presence.


Same parties same lights
The usual gatherings and bright decorations are happening, but they lack the excitement and happiness that comes with having you around.


Same movies at night
The same holiday movies are being watched, but they don't provide the same comfort and enjoyment without you beside me.


Same cookies same cards
The familiar cookies and sending cards to loved ones are part of the holiday routine, but they don't hold the same significance without your participation and shared joy.


Same ribbons on cars
The tradition of decorating cars with ribbons continues, but it feels incomplete and lacking the joy and happiness we used to share together.


But it all seems wrong
Despite everything being familiar and seemingly in its place, there is a feeling of something missing and a sense of disconnection without you.


As long as you’re gone
Your absence is the reason why everything feels off and incomplete during this festive season.


I was doing okay
I appeared to be coping and moving on without you, but it was only on the surface.


Only thought of you twice a day
I couldn't stop thinking about you, but I tried to keep those thoughts limited to avoid dwelling on the pain and longing.


Been going on dates
I tried to distract myself by dating other people, but those encounters didn't bring the same fulfillment and happiness as being with you.


Unsuccessfully but hey
Despite my attempts to move on, the dates were unsuccessful, highlighting that no one could replace you or fill the void you left.


But when the leaves started falling off and the days got short
As the signs of winter arrived and signaled the holiday season's approach, it became clear that without you, the colder days and longer nights amplified the loneliness and longing.


I knew you were the only one who could keep me warm
I realized that you were the only person who could truly make me feel loved, safe, and emotionally fulfilled during the holiday season.


I don’t know if you felt that too
I'm uncertain if you also experienced the same longing and realization that being together during this time would bring comfort and warmth.


I’m sure you’ve got better things to do
I acknowledge that you may have moved on and have other commitments and interests, making it unlikely for you to prioritize spending time together during the holidays.


Laughing in a Santa hat
Remembering the joyful times we shared while playfully wearing festive Santa hats.


Pretending to be Bing Crosby
Imitating the famous singer Bing Crosby, trying to recreate the happy memories and holiday spirit we had together.


Wishing days were bright and merry
Longing for the days when our relationship was filled with happiness and the holiday season was a joyous time.


It might as well be January
The holiday season has lost its significance and vibrancy without you, making it feel like any other month with no special meaning or joy.


No it doesn’t feel like Christmas without you
Overall, the absence of your love, companionship, and shared experiences makes the holiday season feel empty, cold, and devoid of its true magic and joy.




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: IAN RUSSELL MCCONNELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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