Introduction:

Ah, folks gather ’round the fire, for we’re about to delve into the warm embrace of Christmas with a true country classic: Alan Jackson’s Let It Be Christmas. Released in 2002, this album marked Jackson’s second foray into the festive realm, solidifying his place as a purveyor of genuine holiday cheer.

Now, Jackson’s brand of country is a familiar comfort to many. His baritone voice, smooth as aged whiskey, has a way of weaving stories that resonate with the heartland. Let It Be Christmas isn’t a flashy production by any means. It’s produced by the ever-reliable Keith Stegall, known for his work with artists like Vince Gill and Randy Travis. Stegall understands the power of simplicity, letting Jackson’s voice and the timeless melodies take center stage.

This isn’t to say the album lacks depth. The instrumentation, though subtle, is expertly crafted. Think acoustic guitars that strum with a gentle insistence, pedal steel that sighs with melancholy sweetness, and perhaps a touch of piano for a dash of elegance. The focus, however, remains on the songs themselves. Unlike his first Christmas album, Honky Tonk Christmas, which featured a healthy mix of originals and playful takes on classics, Let It Be Christmas leans heavily on tradition.

There’s a certain magic in hearing these familiar carols delivered with such sincerity. Jackson doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, he approaches each song with a reverence that warms the soul. Whether it’s the hopeful joy of “Winter Wonderland” or the quiet contemplation of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” Jackson imbues them with a lived-in quality, a sense that these songs are part of a shared experience, a tapestry woven from generations of Christmases past.

Let It Be Christmas wasn’t a chart-topping phenomenon, but its impact goes beyond mere commercial success. It’s an album that resonates deeply with those who cherish the traditions of the season. It’s the sound of snow gently falling outside, the aroma of pine and cinnamon filling the air, and the quiet joy of loved ones gathered near. It’s a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in extravagance, but in the simple act of letting the warmth of the season fill your heart. So, put on your favorite flannel shirt, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and settle in for a listen to Alan Jackson’s Let It Be Christmas. It’s a guaranteed dose of down-home holiday comfort.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Let It Be Christmas”

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the hearts of all people
Both near and afar
Christmas everywhere
Feel the love of the season where ever you are
On the small country roads
Lined with green mistletoe
Big city streets where a thousand lights glowLet it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing
Let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas, Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
With the gold and the silver, the green and the red
Christmas everywhere
In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds
In the eyes of young babies
Their first fallen snow
The elderly’s memories that never grow old
Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing
Let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas, Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the songs that we sing
And the gifts that we bring
Christmas everywhere
In what this day means
And what we believe
From the sandy white beaches
Where blue water rolls
Snow covered mountains and valleys below

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing
Let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere