‘Honky Tonk Christmas’ Alan Jackson Music Video - More Music

Country music legend Alan Jackson sings a catchy, upbeat tune about missing and getting over his significant other during the Christmas season.

Often, Christmas is considered to be the most wonderful time of the entire year. It’s a season typically filled with friends, family, traditions and other activities. Much like the food at a Christmas celebration, there is usually plenty of joy and happiness present to go around. 

But sometimes, especially following the loss of a loved one or even a recent break-up, getting through the Christmas season can be a tall task, a monumental chore. Alan Jackson, in his song “Honky Tonk Christmas,” sings about a break-up around the Christmas season. He’s no doubt experiencing pain, but he’s sure that he’ll make it, even if “those silent nights at home are killing” him.

In the song’s opening verse, Alan is in so much pain that he even sarcastically thanks the woman who broke his heart. Also, despite his pain and anguish, he still goes on to wish her a Merry Christmas. Whether that’s genuine or not remains to be seen. Most (myself included) would state that it’s not a sincere desire from Alan.

“Pretty Paper is playing on the jukebox
And mistletoe is hanging above the bar
I want to thank you for this broken heart that I’ve got
Merry Christmas, girl
Wherever in the world you are”

However, despite what he’s going through, Alan sings that he knows he’ll be fine by New Year’s. But until then, it’s going to be a “Honky Tonk Christmas.” What a “honky tonk Christmas” is isn’t exactly clear, but given the rest of the song’s lyrics, it’s not something anyone wants to experience. 

Much like Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas", which Alan references in the second verse, “Honky Tonk Christmas” is a tune about missing someone and hurting during the Christmas season. Luckily, we serve a God who provides comfort and healing during those times of extreme pain and loneliness.

John 16:33 “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.”