Goin' Home for Christmas


Goin' Home for Christmas is the 36th studio album by American country singer Merle Haggard backed by The Strangers, released in 1982. A Christmas album, it reached Number 41 on the Billboard Country album chart. It was re-issued on Epic in 1984 with a completely different sleeve. Subsequent re-issues have reverted to variations of the original sleeve, but with a bonus track, "White Christmas" added. This extra track was recorded in 1986 and released in 1988 on the various artist collection "Nashville's Greatest Christmas Hits". It was co-produced by Roy Nichols, lead guitarist of The Strangers.

Critical reception

The AllMusic review states: "Merle Haggard's contribution to the holiday season is a generally festive affair... Mostly though, Haggard is an unexpectedly sensitive interpreter of these seasonal favorites."

Track listing

All songs by Merle Haggard unless otherwise noted:
  1. "Goin' Home for Christmas" – 2:28
  2. "Grandma's Homemade Christmas Card" – 2:17
  3. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" – 2:14
  4. "Santa Claus and Popcorn" – 2:32
  5. "Daddy Won't Be Home Again for Christmas" – 3:23
  6. "If We Make It Through December" – 2:39
  7. "Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas" – 2:09
  8. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" – 2:47
  9. "Blue Christmas" – 2:08
  10. "Lonely Night" – 2:53

Personnel

  • Merle Haggard – vocals, guitar
  • Leona Williams Haggard
  • Jimmy Capps
  • Hal Rugg
  • Henry Strzelcki
  • Steve Chapman
  • Clay Caire
  • Farrell Morris
  • Mark Casstevens
  • Ron Oates
  • Curtis Young
  • Donna Sheridon
  • Doug Clements
  • Louis Nunley