In the modern era of holiday entertainment, where flashy production and high-concept spectacles often dominate the screen, country legend Alan Jackson has consistently offered a different kind of gift: the power of the porch. The CMT special Alan Jackson: Let It Be Christmas stands as a definitive moment in the singer’s career, not because of its scale, but because of its sincerity. It was a production that successfully bridged the gap between a televised event and a private living room, reminding a national audience that the holidays are, at their core, an exercise in togetherness.
A Curated Nostalgia
From its opening notes, the special was a study in country elegance. Jackson navigated a carefully selected setlist that balanced the sacred with the celebratory. Whether it was the quiet, reverent “Silent Night,” the playful bounce of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” or the spiritual gravity of “Away in a Manger,” Jackson’s signature baritone infused each track with a weathered warmth.
The Standout Moment: A Family Affair
The emotional peak of the evening arrived during the performance of the title track, “Let It Be Christmas.” First released in 2002, the song has since become a standard of the genre.
The staging was a visual metaphor for Jackson’s life:
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The Solitary Start: Jackson began the song alone, grounding the performance in his personal reflection.
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The Expanding Circle: Midway through, the intimacy shifted as his wife, Denise, and their three daughters—Mattie, Ali, and Dani—joined him.
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The Communal Swell: The addition of the Belmont University Choir and the W.O. Smith Children’s Choir transformed the family moment into a community anthem.
The result was more than a performance; it was a vivid depiction of communal joy, illustrating how a single voice can grow into a chorus of connection.
Beyond the Stage: Rituals of the Jackson Home
The special was interspersed with rare, candid glimpses into the Jackson family’s private traditions. Alan and Denise shared stories that moved beyond the “country star” persona, discussing the quiet rituals of decorating the tree, baking together, and the importance of giving back. These anecdotes served to humanize the legend, offering a window into the values of faith and family that have long anchored Jackson’s songwriting.
The Continuing Thread: ‘You’ll Always Be My Baby’
The dedication to family seen in the 2002 special wasn’t a fleeting festive gesture; it is a recurring theme throughout Jackson’s discography. In 2021, this was further immortalized when his daughter Ali joined him to perform “You’ll Always Be My Baby.”
Jackson revealed that the song was originally written for his eldest daughter Mattie’s 2017 wedding, but he eventually dedicated it to all three of his daughters. The accompanying music video, a montage of decades of family photos, serves as a companion piece to his holiday work—a reminder that for Jackson, music is the medium through which he preserves the history of his household.
Authenticity Over Spectacle
In an industry that often prioritizes the “new,” Jackson’s Let It Be Christmas remains relevant because it prioritizes the “true.” By eschewing flashy sets for meaningful collaborations with local choirs and his own kin, he reinforces the idea that the magic of the season isn’t found in what we buy, but in who we hold.
As the 2002 album continues to find its way onto holiday playlists over twenty years later, its endurance proves that sincerity is the one holiday trend that never goes out of style.
