Riley Green’s “Christmas To Me” — One of the Best Original Country Christmas Songs of the Year
It’s rare for a new Christmas song to truly stand out — especially for those of us who aren’t big fans of holiday music to begin with. Some Christmas songs feel overly sweet, gimmicky, or simply overplayed. But every so often, a country artist releases something warm, real, and unexpectedly moving. Last year, a few artists did exactly that.
Megan Moroney delivered a charming original with “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy.” Riley Green, however, offered one of the most heartfelt and genuinely nostalgic Christmas releases with his song “Christmas To Me.” It quickly became a seasonal favorite — even for listeners who don’t normally gravitate toward Christmas music.
A CMA Christmas Performance Filled With Heart
Riley’s live performance of “Christmas To Me” on the CMA Country Christmas special was nothing short of beautiful. Instead of the flashy, overly cheerful production that often surrounds holiday songs, Riley delivered something far more meaningful: a quiet, reflective, and deeply personal look at what Christmas truly feels like for many families.
Written by Riley Green and his longtime collaborator Erik Dylan, the song paints vivid scenes of Southern holiday traditions — the kind that feel simple, relatable, and wonderfully imperfect. The lyrics carry a gentle humor and emotional warmth, honoring the real-life moments that make Christmas memorable.
“And all them in-laws are showin’ up late
For a five star meal on a paper plate
The sound of bare foot feet runnin’ through the house
The football game’s just about to start
About the time momma has a come-apart
’Cause sister’s new tattoo she just found out about
There’s a string of lights all tangled around the tree
That’s Christmas to me”
It’s the kind of writing that instantly transports you back to childhood — to family gatherings, familiar roads, warm kitchens, and the quiet magic of holiday traditions. It’s nostalgic without being sentimental, emotional without being heavy-handed.
Why the Song Resonates
Country artists have always excelled at storytelling, and “Christmas To Me” captures the everyday moments that make the holidays special. Riley avoids the clichés and instead leans into reality — the messy, funny, and heartfelt snapshots that so many people recognize from their own family celebrations.
It’s beautifully simple, and that simplicity is exactly why it works. Riley Green manages to remind listeners that Christmas isn’t about perfection — it’s about the people we love and the memories that stay with us, year after year.
So if you’re looking for a Christmas song that’s honest, warm, and rooted in real-life experiences, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your holiday playlist.