It was released in October 1973 as the lead single from the album Merle Haggard's Christmas Present, and was the title track on a non-Christmas album four months later. In the years since its release, "If We Make It Through December" — which, in addition to its Christmas motif, also uses themes of unemployment and loneliness — has become one of the trademark songs of Haggard's career.
Written in 1973, it treats with Haggard's characteristically simple poetry the desperate optimism of a working-class man dealing with economic hardship. Having been laid off from his factory job just prior to the Christmas season, the man becomes depressed over his predicament during what normally should be a "happy time of year." At one point, he observes that his little girl "don't understand why Daddy can't afford no Christmas cheer."
The chorus, "If we make it through December/Everything's gonna be alright, I know" expresses hope, the protagonist telling himself that hope exists if he wants to deal with "the coldest time of winter" and the cold, lonely feeling he experiences while watching the snow fall ("and I shiver when I see the falling snow").
While Christmas is a prominent theme of this song, writer Merle Haggard said the song is not considered a "pure" Christmas record, as the subject of economics was also explored.
Several singers in the country, folk and pop genres have covered "If We Make It Through December," including Alan Jackson (on his Christmas album, Honky Tonk Christmas), Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Holly Cole. Joey + Rory recorded it for their album A Farmhouse Christmas with Merle Haggard adding background vocals as well as singing the final chorus. The song was also covered by the Blue Shadows, featuring Billy Cowsill, and included on the 2010 re-release of the band's debut album. The song was covered by both The Mamas and Phoebe Bridgers in November 2020.
If We Make It Through December
Merle Haggard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine
Got laid off down at the factory
And their timing's not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been working hard
Wanted Christmas to be right for daddy's girl
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 here
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 summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine
The song "If We Make It Through December" by Merle Haggard tells the story of an unemployed father who is struggling to provide for his daughter during Christmas time. The lyrics depict a sense of hopelessness and desperation as the father is unable to buy gifts for his little girl who cannot understand the financial struggles the family is facing. The opening lines "If we make it through December, everything's gonna be all right, I know" reveal the uncertainties and insecurities of the father as he tries to navigate through the tough times.
The father takes solace in the fact that they have plans to move to California to start a new life when the winter is over. He sees it as a ray of hope, a chance to start afresh in a warmer place that may provide better opportunities for him and his family. The song portrays the struggle and resilience of the working-class families during tough economic times.
The delicate melodies of the song coupled with Haggard's emotive voice add to the poignancy of the lyrics, creating a heart-rending account of the struggles faced by millions around the world. It is a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those who are going through difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
If we make it through December
Despite the struggles we are facing, if we can make it through the tough month of December, things will be okay.
Everything's gonna be all right, I know
I have faith that things will turn out okay in the end.
It's the coldest time of winter
December is always the coldest part of winter.
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
The sight of snowfall makes me feel even colder.
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
I have hopes of going to a warmer place when summer comes around.
Maybe even California
Perhaps California will be the place where we end up.
Got laid off down at the factory
I lost my job at the factory.
And their timing's not the greatest in the world
Unfortunately, the timing of the layoff was not ideal.
Heaven knows I been working hard
I have been working very hard, and it's unfair that I lost my job.
Wanted Christmas to be right for daddy's girl
I wanted to provide a good Christmas for my daughter.
I don't mean to hate December
I don't mean to dislike the month of December.
It's meant to be the happy time of year
December is supposed to be a happy time of year.
And my little girl don't understand
My daughter doesn't comprehend why we aren't able to have a nice Christmas this year.
Why daddy can't afford no Christmas here
She doesn't understand why I can't afford to provide presents for her this Christmas.
If we make it through December, we'll be fine
If we can survive this difficult month, we will be okay in the end.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Merle Haggard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@katl7227
This song brings tears to my eyes. Here it is Dec 11, 2023. I have found out I have just lost my brother then a few days later. I found out I lost a dear friend of mine as well. It’s been a rough week. But I’m very grateful for my better half and all the support that I have getting through this horrific time. Whoever is reading this. Think positive, take one day at a time, it will get better. God bless you ❤
@paulinagoodman5340
🙏 I hope God gives you some comfort🙏❤️
@priscillayarber8676
(((Hugs)))
@marilynmccormick3731
I lost my middle son this time last year so I think about him in heaven with his brother, best friends a year apart. It's so hard when you grieve people you love. Blessings to you this Christmas.
@leeanncrnich4536
I just lost my 9yr old furbaby Kelly yesterday he was our cat 2:42 . Prayers of comfort to you.
@jamielynn6308
Crying, missing my daughter. She was abducted. We got her back, but she’s not the child they took. They got her addicted to alcohol and drugs, And she’s in a bad way. She was a sweet, beautiful angel of a child, I miss who she was. I don’t recognize the daughter who came home and it is so hard.
@charlesb479
When i listen to this song i am reminded of when my wife and i first started out. We were young (19) with a newborn. I saved what i could and bought us a fixer up mobile home. All the furniture we had was a recliner and a mattress all on plywood floor (no carpet yet). I cut down a blue spruce on the property for a Christmas tree. I promised her if we made it through the winter I promise it will get better. It did, I made sure of it.
@drkfive
+Charles B That's really a cool story. I hope you've had a good life together.
@Highlander9740
+Charles B That sounds like me and my wife, broke ,renting a raggedy old trailer when we first got married. When the wind blew in the winter time you knew it. Doing better now and still together twenty four years later with two grown kids. I listen to this song all the time on my way to work. It's a comfort somehow.
@stefanocagioni
+Charles B May God bless you, your wife and kid/kids, sir. This is a nice story, thank you for sharing it with us all and merry Xmas :)