Alan Jackson's song "Honky Tonk Christmas" tells the story of a man who has been left heartbroken during the holiday season. As he sits alone in a bar, he hears the song "Pretty Paper" and sees mistletoe hanging above the bar, reminders of the Christmas season that only intensify his loneliness. He thanks the woman who left him for giving him a broken heart and wishes her a Merry Christmas wherever she may be. The man is struggling to cope with his loneliness during the Christmas season and turns to the honky tonk bar to try to numb his pain. He asks for the song "Blue Christmas" to be turned up so he can relive memories of happier times with his former love. He also asks for a drink of Christmas spirit to help him through the tough times. Despite his sadness, the man is determined to move on from his broken heart and be over his ex by New Year's Eve. The song emphasizes the contrast between the joyous, festive spirit of the season and the man's personal pain, suggesting that not everyone experiences a happy holiday season. However, with time and healing, the man hopes to move on from his heartache and start the new year with a fresh beginning.
