Riding Home for Christmas

Riding Home For Christmas is our thirteenth album. It’s our Christmas album, sharing how we celebrate Christmas in the Trails to Empowerment Community. Download the album from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and more. Read all the song lyrics here:

Climbing Up the Christmas Tree

Verse 1
We found our tree out in the forest cold,
Seventeen feet of green and gold.
Fired up the saw and watched the branches sway,
Laughing as we yelled, “Timber!” all the way.
We dragged it home through the snowy meadow,
Sawdust stuck to our boots as we go.
Big end first through the front door frame,
Got the tree wedged tight, but we loved the game.

Pre-Chorus
Pull a little this way, push a little that,
Everyone is shouting, “Don’t you bend it flat!”
Somehow we wiggle that giant tree through,
And somebody cheers when it finally gets through.

Chorus
We’re climbing up the Christmas tree,
Singing out a carol loud and free.
Higher, higher, laughing as we go,
Way up where the twinkling lights all glow.
We’re climbing up the Christmas tree,
Family, friends, and joyful energy.
From the floor right up to the star,
Christmas smiles shining near and far.

Verse 2
We plant the trunk in a five-gallon pail,
To fill with water later, as we tell a tale.
Tie that giant to the sturdy wall,
“Hold it straight!” someone starts to call.
Staking ropes in a festive knot,
Check the stand is in the perfect spot.
Wrap the bucket up in paper bright,
Now the forest’s living in our room tonight.

Pre-Chorus
Turn the music up and pass the lights around,
Somebody’s halfway up, won’t come down.
Balancing careful on branches so wide,
Stringing little lights all along the side.

Bridge
Disco Sheep is shining colors on the wall,
Rainbow sparkles dancing down the hall.
Little kids perched on the branches just so,
Posing for the camera in the light’s soft glow.
Click, snap, a picture for the year,
Faces full of wonder, hearts of cheer.
Every silly moment, every song we share,
Puts a little extra Christmas in the air.

Verse 3
On Christmas Eve, we stack the presents high,
Boxes reaching for the starry sky.
Under all the branches, ribbons curl,
Paper, bows, and tags in a shining swirl.
For a month we breathe that fresh fir smell,
Like we brought the forest in to dwell.
Every night we sit and watch it gleam,
Living in a fir-scent Christmas dream.

Pre-Chorus
Then January whispers, “Time to go,”
Take a final look at the gentle glow.
Lights come down and the ornaments too,
We’re backing out the tree like we backed it through.

Chorus
We’re climbing down the Christmas tree,
Still humming all our favorite melodies.
Lower, lower, careful as we go,
Fir needles falling like a gentle snow.
We’re climbing down the Christmas tree,
Thankful for the laughing memories.
From the star to the bucket on the floor,
Till we drag it out the front door.

Outro
We’re climbing up the Christmas tree,
Every year it’s home for you and me.
Seventeen feet of joy to see,
We’ll be back next Christmas with another tree.

Riding Home for Christmas

Verse 1
Snow is falling through the forest,
Evergreens are dressed in white.
Hoofbeats drumming out a rhythm
On this pale and quiet night.
Every breath my old horse whispers
Turns to silver in the air,
And my heart rides just beside him,
Knowing home is waiting there.

Pre-Chorus
It’s been a long, long road behind,
But the way ahead feels clear.
I can almost taste pine needle tea,
I can almost feel the fire near.

Chorus
Riding home for Christmas, through the snowy trees,
Singing with the north wind, carried on the breeze.
Riding home for Christmas, hearts and voices high,
Following the starlight in the winter sky.
Riding home for Christmas, almost to the glow,
Where the fire is burning and the stories flow.

Verse 2
Shadows gather in the branches,
Daylight slips behind the hill.
Far off, village candles flicker,
But the forest feels so still.
Then a lonely wolf is howling,
Echo rolling through the night.
My horse lifts his head and listens,
Then he quickens to the light.

Pre-Chorus
I’m appreciative in the darkness,
For this trail that guides us as we roam.
Every howl out in the distance
Only points me back to home.

Bridge
Over the ridge, the valley opens,
Little windows shining gold.
I can hear the laughter rising,
Smell the woodsmoke rich and old.
All the friends and all the neighbors,
All the tales we’ve yet to share,
Every mile of winter riding
Brings me home to meet all there.

Verse 3
Hooves strike sparks on frozen stone now,
As we cross the final stream.
Horse bells ringing in the distance,
Like a chorus in a dream.
Door swings wide and warm light spills out,
Snow melts slowly from my coat.
Voices welcome me with singing,
Every word catches in my throat.

Pre-Chorus
By the fire, the circle widens,
Songs and memories, hearts aglow.
All the lonely roads behind me
Fade away like tracks in snow.

Outro
Riding home for Christmas, through the snowy trees,
Riding home for Christmas, where my heart’s at ease.

Red Bones Saving Christmas

Verse 1
She’s the toughest of the logging crew,
She’ll never quit if there’s a job to do,
From dawn to dusk, pulling logs all day,
Babe the logging horse leads the way.

Chorus
Babe, the best logging horse in the west,
Put to the test, she’ll outrun the rest,
Harness her up and turn her loose,
Skidding fir logs through pine and spruce.

Verse 2
Harnessed up, she’s ready to run,
Dragging logs under springtime sun,
If the log gets caught, Babe won’t stop,
The harness breaks or she frees the log.

Chorus
Babe, the best logging horse in the west,
Put to the test, she’ll outrun the rest,
Harness her up and turn her loose,
Skidding fir logs through pine and spruce.

Verse 3
Select logging Douglas fir uneven stand,
Babe does her part to conserve the land,
Where big machines fear to tread,
Babe’s quick hoofs keep her ahead.

Chorus
Babe, the best logging horse in the west,
Put to the test, she’ll outrun the rest,
Harness her up and turn her loose,
Skidding fir logs through pine and spruce.

Verse 4
Babe starts to run, nothing can stop her,
Hooves strike the ground like thunder,
Log behind her, hot on her tail,
She drops the log at the end of the trail.

Chorus
Babe, the best logging horse in the west,
Put to the test, she’ll outrun the rest,
Harness her up and turn her loose,
Skidding fir logs through pine and spruce.

The Firewood Song

Verse 1
Out there in the morning, when the snow is fresh and bright,
We’re walking through the timber with our breath like little lights.
Dead standin’ trees are waiting where the frost has kissed the bark,
Pull that starter, hear it rumble, chainsaw sparks fly in an arc.

Pre-Chorus
Every cut and every shout
Sends the cold wind rolling out.
Wood chips flying, spirits high,
Workin’ underneath a Christmas sky.

Chorus
Cut it down, haul it in,
Let the winter games begin.
Skid the logs to the woodshed door,
Stack ’em high, we’re ready for more.
Swing that maul, split it clean,
Greatest firewood you’ve ever seen.
Do it all together, hearts so warm,
That’s how we beat the winter storm.

Verse 2
Hook the chain around the log and give the signal, “Let’s go!”
Skidder or the bulldozer crawlin’ through the drifted snow.
Tracks are carving through the forest, like a big steel Christmas sleigh,
Dragging all that winter fuel to keep the cold nights far away.

Pre-Chorus
Engine roars and voices sing,
Snowflakes all over everything.
Every load we bring on home
Feels like wrapping up a winter poem.

Verse 3
Logs all limbed to the bark so we can cut them neatly,
One chainsaw length’s just right, cut ‘em quickly.
Chainsaw hummin’ to a Christmas beat,
Cut ’em down to the length we need.
Then it’s maul and wedge and sledge in hand,
Wood rings out like a carol band.
Crack that round with a snowy cheer,
Firewood for another year.

Pre-Chorus
One more swing and we all shout,
“That’s the way to keep cold out!”
Piles of split wood standing tall,
Like a wooden fortress ‘round us all.

Bridge
Now the evening’s settling slow,
Through the window, soft lights glow.
Kick off boots by the old wood stove,
Feel the warmth from all we strove.
Every log upon that flame
Whispers back our winter’s named.
“We did this with our hands and hearts,
Turned the forest into hearthside sparks.”

Verse 4
Outside, winter’s blowing wild and cold,
But inside, stories ’bout the day are told.
Mugs of cocoa, laughter bright,
Shadows dancing in the firelight.
From the stump to the stove, it’s a Christmas chain,
Every swing and every strain.
We finished the job we started back in fall:
We’ll keep this house warm for one and all.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (From Our Forest Family)

Verse 1
The horses in the pasture
Stamp their hooves upon the ground,
Clouds of breath like silver lanterns
As the snow comes swirling down.
Tails are high and saddles empty,
But their hearts are full of cheer,
Gentle eyes and soft low whinnies
Wish you joy this time of year.

Chorus
Merry Christmas from the wild,
From every friend both tame and free.
We wish you a merry Christmas,
From our forest family.

Verse 2
The chickens in the doorway
Fluff their feathers in the hay,
Clucking ‘bout the winter weather
In their cozy, straw-filled bay.
From their house, the chickens are cooing,
All are snuggled side by side,
As the barnyard softly murmurs
Merry Christmas far and wide.

Chorus
Merry Christmas from the wild,
From every friend both tame and free.
We wish you a merry Christmas,
From our forest family.

Verse 3
The dogs out by the woodpile
Leave their footprints in the snow,
Chasing dreams of flying reindeer
Where the north winds love to blow.
In the barn the cats are purring,
Whiskers shining in the snow,
Sharing happy winter wishes
That your joy will only grow.

Chorus
Merry Christmas from the wild,
From every friend both tame and free.
We wish you a merry Christmas,
From our forest family.

Verse 4
The owls in the treetops
Call a gentle winter song,
Wolf and cougar and shy red squirrel
Pause to listen, move along.
Every track across the clearing,
Every rustle, every call,
Says “May peace and love and kindness
Be the greatest gift of all.”

Chorus
Merry Christmas from the wild,
From every friend both tame and free.
We wish you a merry Christmas,
From our forest family.
Merry Christmas from the wild,
Under moon and starlit tree,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
From all of us to thee.

Bobsleigh Ride

Verse 1
Bubbles kicks up snow,
Willy’s right in stride,
Pulling that old green bobsleigh
On a frosty country ride.
Racing past the barns,
Across the open land,
Laughing as the winter wind
Goes whistling through our hands.

Chorus
Bubbles, Willy, through the fields,
Flying fast and free,
What a joy to glide along
Around the snowy ranch with glee.
Bubbles, Willy, hear us cheer,
Hooves and runners play,
Oh, how fun it is to ride
On a bobsleigh Christmas day.

Verse 2
Out behind the pens,
Past the old corral,
Snowflakes on the fence posts
Glistening like crystal pal.
Friends all pile on board,
Bundled head to toe,
Bubbles snorts and Willy swings,
And off through drifts we go.

Verse 3
Twilight paints the sky,
Stars begin to peep,
We circle back toward the house
Through snowbanks soft and deep.
Lanterns by the gate,
Firelight shining gold,
Bubbles and our Willy horse
Trot proudly through the cold.

Chorus
Bubbles, Willy, through the fields,
Flying fast and free,
What a joy to glide along
Around the snowy ranch with glee.
Bubbles, Willy, one more loop,
As we laugh and sway,
Oh, how blessed it is to ride
On a bobsleigh Christmas day.

Cookie Time at Christmas

Verse 1
Snow is falling on the ranchyard, roofs and fences turning white,
Chickens lay us eggs to make our cookies taste just right,
Back inside with rosy faces, crack the shells in mixing bowls.
Sugar, butter, flour swirling, Christmas magic for our souls.

Chorus
Cookie time at Christmas, everybody sing,
Rolling out the laughter like a jingle bell ring.
Moose and bear and starlight, trees in every row,
Fill the house with sweetness while it softly snows.
Cookie time at Christmas, hands in sticky dough,
Sprinkles flying, colours bright, a warm and happy glow.

Verse 2
Rolling pins are on the table, flour dust is in the air,
Cutting out our forest shapes, moose and pine and playful bear.
Little stars and Christmas evergreens, line them up, our hearts all sing.
Cookies baking in our old propane oven, hear that timer gently ring.

Verse 3
Now it’s time for colored icing, red and green and winter blue.
Chocolate chips and little sparkles, every tray a forest view.
Round the table, side by side, kids and grownups, telling tales.
Every cookie tells a tale of Christmas on the snowy trail.

Bridge
Open up the Saskatoon jam,
Purple like a twilight sky.
Wild from along the forest trails
Where the summer breezes sigh.
Soopalallie on the hillside,
Competing with the bears we know.
Rhubarb from the garden patch,
Apricots from down below.
Spread it on a cookie,
Taste the summers we recall.
Every bite says “thank you”
To the land that gave it all.

Verse 4
Evening settles on the windows,
But the kitchen’s burning bright.
Plates of cookies stacked like mountains
For our Christmas feast tonight.

Merry Christmas, Living Lands

Verse 1
Snow lies soft on sleeping hills, the river moves in dreams,
Frosted trees like cathedral walls, silver in the beams.
All year long we walked this land, through sun and wind and rain,
Now we gather by the fire to sing our thanks again.

Chorus
Merry Christmas, blessed earth,
Thank you for another year.
For every trail and every birth,
For every laugh and every tear.
We give back with open hands,
Guarding all that we have known.
Merry Christmas, living lands,
You have never left us alone.

Verse 2
Springtime gave us tender leaves and rivers running high,
Summer spread her golden fields beneath a painted sky.
Autumn laid her crimson cloak on every ridge and stone,
Now in winter’s quiet hush, we see how much we’ve grown.

Verse 3
Horses breathing clouds of white, the dogs beside our boots,
Chickens scratching in the straw, trees deepening their roots.
All the creatures share this home, the forest and the field,
We take only what we need and help the wild lands heal.

Bridge
So we gather what is given,
Leave the rest to live and grow.
Offer thanks with gentle footsteps
Every place we come and go.
Every harvest that we carry
Brings a gift we also share,
Giving back to land and waters
For the bounty for which we care.

Verse 4
Round the table, stories rise of all this year has brought,
Days of effort, nights of stars, and lessons nature taught.
In this wilderness of grace, our Christmas wish is clear:
That we continue to give back through every coming year.

Roll that Snow

Verse 1
Snow is falling softly
On the hillside by the trees,
Temperature just perfect,
Hovering ‘round the freeze.
Check the snow for sticking,
Not too powdery or deep,
Pack a little snowball tight
And roll it down the steep.

Pre-Chorus
“Push it! Turn it! Keep it straight!”
Someone laughs, “It’s gaining weight!”
Round and round, it starts to grow,
We’re shouting, “Look how big it goes!”

Chorus
Roll, roll, roll that snow,
Watch that giant snowman grow.
Teamwork, shouting, cheeks all red,
Building up from tiny ball to head.
Roll, roll, roll it ‘round,
Till we’ve covered half the ground.
What a day out in the snow,
Making memories as we go.

Verse 2
Now the first ball’s massive,
We can’t move it anymore,
Better hope we like the spot,
It’s planted by the door.
Time to roll the second one,
Not as huge, but still a sight,
Two of us are grunting hard
To lift it up just right.

Pre-Chorus
“Ready? Lift it! One, two, three!”
Snow is slipping, “Lean on me!”
With a heave and happy shout,
We get that middle section out.

Verse 3
Now we need the smallest ball,
But still it weighs a ton,
Wet snow makes it heavy
Though the rolling’s almost done.
Everyone is pushing,
Hands are freezing, boots are slick,
Lift it for the snowman’s head
“Hold it steady, not too quick!”

Pre-Chorus
“Careful now, don’t let it drop!”
Someone shouts, “We’re at the top!”
With a wobble and a cheer,
We crown our snowman’s head right here.

Bridge
Oat bowl hat sits proud and bright,
Perched upon his head just right.
Carrot nose is standing tall
Tepee horse comes by to call.
One quick crunch and it’s all gone,
Everybody laughs at dawn.
“Guess we’ll have to try once more,”
Find another nose to store.

Verse 4
Little stones for smiling eyes,
Rocky buttons, perfect size.
Stick arms reaching left and right,
Scarf wrapped snug and tied up tight.
Step back now and take it in,
Snow and laughter, rosy skin.
Every push and every plan
Built this giant snowman.

Chorus
Roll, roll, roll that snow,
Look how tall our snowman grows.
Teamwork, laughing, hearts all light,
We built a snowy friend tonight.
Roll, roll, roll it ‘round,
Joy is piling on the ground.
What a day out in the snow,
Thanks to everyone we know.

Reading by the Christmas Tree

Verse 1
Blankets on the carpet, glowing Christmas tree,
All our new books stacked high beside my knee.
Firewood that we gathered crackles low and bright,
Pages turning, stories burning cozy through the night.

Chorus
Reading by the Christmas tree,
Thankful for the year we’ve seen.
Hound dogs sleeping at our feet,
Snow outside and hearts complete.

Verse 2
Kids are fighting yawns as they say, “Just one more page,”
Horses, trails, and forest tales, adventure for every age.
Our snowman in the window, watching soft and still,
While the stories from our favorite books make the night feel full.

Chorus
Reading by the Christmas tree,
Thankful for the year we’ve seen.
Hound dogs sleeping at our feet,
Snow outside and hearts complete.

Bridge
All the year in chapters, all our dreams in ink,
Warm house, warm hearts, closer than we think.

Verse 3
Mugs of cocoa steaming, cookies on a plate,
Talking ‘bout the little things that made this year so great.
From the trails to quiet evenings, all the moments small,
Come alive in every story as the tree lights glow on all.

Chorus
Reading by the Christmas tree,
Thankful for the year we’ve seen.
Hound dogs sleeping at our feet,
Snow outside and hearts complete.

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Riding Home for Christmas

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