Released: 2020
“Christmas Without You” by Ava Max tells a poignant, heart-tugging tale of a Christmas longing for a loved one. The general theme of the song revolves around the profound desire for the physical presence of a cherished one during the holiday season—the pain and loneliness amplified, given the festive atmosphere that normally engenders warmth, togetherness, and merrymaking.
The song begins with wintry, Christmassy descriptions: “Lights on the trees under fallen snow”. Ava Max sets the stage, painting a cozy and intimate picture. The warmth of the holiday season (“You get a bit closer when the winter’s cold”) contrasts with the lover’s absence. When she says, “the best gifts you just can’t buy”, she emphasizes the priceless nature of love and companionship—far more valuable than any materialistic Christmas presents.
The chorus: “Wherever you go, you light up the room… ‘Cause it won’t feel like Christmas without you”, underlines the void the absence of her loved one creates. “Lighting up the room” is a popular phrase that suggests the person in question brings energy, positivity, and joy—qualities that are sorely missed. The line “you brighten the moon” underscores the lover’s ability to elevate Ava’s surroundings, even the celestial bodies, shedding light on her life. This is a powerful testament to her lover’s impact on her emotional landscape.
The subsequent verse transports listeners to their festive plans that could have been—from dancing under the moonlight to laughing in bed together with failed attempts at singing. These envisioned scenes deepen the sense of longing while showcasing their dynamic and fun bond.
The lyrics: “So when I wake up on Christmas Day, I hope the first thing I see is your face”, capture a beautiful simplicity in Ava’s wishes, where her happiness hinges on the presence of her loved one—a sentiment many can resonate with during the holiday season. To wake up and see the face of a loved one is amongst the simplest yet most cherished joys of life.
The song ends on a repeated note with the chorus, leaving no room for doubts about the narrative’s central theme: the incompleteness of Christmas without the beloved. Ava Max weaves a beautiful tapestry of heartfelt longing, the holiday spirit, and an intense love that colors every aspect of life, even traditional festivities. This song will resonate with anyone who has been away from their loved ones during the holiday season—making it a touching addition to the pop music Christmas catalog.
