25 Days of Christmas Albums: Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present ✧ Merle Haggard ✧ 1973

The Hag cooked up a perfect album for you if need a December injection of 1970’s Bakersfield, CA country and western. “If We Make It Through December” is a brilliant song for anyone who suffers through the holiday season. Haggard’s backup band The Strangers (stellar name) are excellent--if you listen to this album, pay particular attention to the fiddle work. “Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Card” is like a miniature holiday special, with “O Little Town of Bethlehem” playing in the background as a seated Merle looks over his shoulder straight into the camera for his recitation. 

Side B moves into more traditional Christmas fare, and I must admit to thinking Side A is the more special of the two, shrouded as it is in the sepia tones of nicotine, plastic-bottled tequila, and worn boots. Not all that is gold glitters.