While the rest of the world rejoices in the traditions of the season, for many with an incarcerated partner, this is the worst time of the year. It’s the season of family and our families are torn apart by bars, concrete walls, and endless miles.
Most Christmas songs are happy, joyful and full of glee, but there is no shortage of sad Christmas songs.
Hearing a sad Christmas song when-you-can’t-have-the-person-you-want-most-in-the-world-at-the-time-when-the-world-says-you-should-have-them, is like ripping a band-aid off an open wound. The wound we try to hide the rest of the year.
Here are my picks for top five saddest Christmas songs (guaranteed to induce a crying fit):
#5 – Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics: Someday all our dreams will come to be. Someday in a world where men are free. Maybe not in time for you and me. But someday at Christmastime. Someday at Christmastime.
This song wasn’t written about men in prison but when you speak of men being free under of the refrain of “someday,” I can’t help but think of all those incarcerated.
Listen to Someday at Christmas
#4 – Blue Christmas by Elvis
Lyrics: I’ll have a blue Christmas without you. I’ll be so blue just thinking about you. Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree. Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me
Seriously, this song doesn’t need lyrics. The title is plenty.
#3 – I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Michael Buble
Lyrics: I am dreaming tonight of a place I love. Even more than I usually do. And although I know it’s a long road back. I promise you. I’ll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe. And presents on the tree…..I’ll be home for Christmas. If only in my dreams.
This song was written for those in the armed forces, but that last line kills me. The whole song is a dream from the point of view of the person who longs to be home. Sound familiar?
Listen to I’ll Be Home for Christmas
#2 – All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Lyrics: I don’t need to hang my stocking. There upon the fireplace. Santa Claus won’t make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day. I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.
Even with an upbeat tempo, this song tugs at the heart strings. Again, the lyrics are unnecessary.
Listen to All I Want for Christmas is You
#1 – Miss You Most (At Christmas Time) by Mariah Carey
Lyrics: The fire is burning. The room’s all aglow. Outside the December wind blows. Away in the distance
The carolers sing in the snow. Everybody’s laughing. The world is celebrating. And everyone’s so happy. Except for me tonight Because…
I miss you. Most at Christmas time. And I can’t get you. Get you off my mind. Every other season comes along and I’m all right. But then I miss you most at Christmas time
Miss You Most sums it all up for me. I absolutely miss him most at Christmas time. When I hear this, I fall to pieces.
Listen to Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)
Conclusion
Christmas is a season of love, but it’s also a season of sadness. I’m thankful to have love and to be in love. But, gosh it hurts…a lot.
What are some of your top picks for sad Christmas songs?
Great reminder, Reesy, that the holidays aren’t always joyful for everybody. Hugs to you during this time especially.
merry christmas darling by The Carpenters… tht is all