Matthew West - Dysfunctional Family Christmas Lyrics
Lyrics
Snow flakes are falling on a silent night
For now all is calm and for now all is bright
Till the sound of the doorbell fills this house with fear
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Bring in the bags and the baggage we got
You know those in-laws are coming in hot
Hold on to your stockings it's about to get weird
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Fa la la la la di da la di day
Lord us help us make it through this Christmas day
It's the crazy that comes along once every year
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
(Fa la la la la di da la di day)
Cousin Timmy's got a temp of a hundred and three
He don't cover his mouth whenever he sneezes
And I'm trying my best to not get too near
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
(Want to know what else)
Well Grandma keeps yellin' cause Grandpa can't hear
Can you believe Jolene did that to her hair
When the insults are flying like Santa's reindeer
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Fa la la la la di da la di day
Lord us help us make it through this Christmas day
It's the crazy that comes along once every year
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Fa la la la la di da la di day
Lord, help us all
Fa la la la la
Merry Christmas
Fa la la la la di da la di day
(Fa la la la la)
(Merry Christmas)
Well you can't pick your family, that's God's choice to make
And all we got is each other at the end of the day
So let's make some memories that we'll all hold dear
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
(That's right)
(Everybody sing)
Fa la la la la di da la di day
Lord us help us make it through this Christmas day
It's the crazy that comes along once every year
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Dysfunctional family Christmas is here
Merry Christmas
Video
Matthew West - Dysfunctional Family Christmas (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Matthew West's "Dysfunctional Family Christmas," released on October 10, 2025, offers a refreshingly honest and humorously relatable perspective on the holiday season, particularly for those whose family gatherings don't always mirror the idyllic scenes found on Christmas cards. The song dives headfirst into the often chaotic reality that accompanies bringing extended families together, acknowledging the inevitable stress and awkwardness that can arise. West taps into a universal experience, painting vivid pictures of common holiday stressors: the sick relative, the hard-of-hearing grandparent, the peculiar hairstyles, and the escalating "insults" that fly as freely as Santa's reindeer. While the lyrics don't overtly proclaim Christian themes in every line, the underlying message strongly resonates with foundational biblical principles, particularly in its closing sentiment.
The story behind "Dysfunctional Family Christmas" appears to be an observation and celebration of imperfect togetherness. West doesn't shy away from the "weird" and the "crazy" that can accompany these annual reunions, framing them not as reasons to dread the holidays, but as part of the genuine tapestry of family life. The repeated refrain, "Lord us help us make it through this Christmas day," is not a plea for escape, but a prayer for strength and patience, echoing the sentiments found throughout Scripture when facing trials. Consider the wisdom in Proverbs 15:1, which states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." West's song, in its own way, acknowledges that navigating these moments requires a gentle approach, even when the "harsh words" are flying. The song's message pivots beautifully in its conclusion: "Well, you can't pick your family, that's God's choice to make / And all we got is each other at the end of the day / So let's make some memories that we'll all hold dear." This is where the song truly shines with a spirit that aligns with Christian values. It's a powerful reminder of the biblical call to love and bear with one another. Ephesians 4:2 speaks directly to this: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." West's encouragement to cherish the shared experience, despite its imperfections, is a testament to the enduring strength and importance of family bonds, as ordained by God. He transforms the potential for frustration into an opportunity for grace and memory-making, urging listeners to focus on the love that binds them, even amidst the inevitable chaos. The song ultimately celebrates the resilient spirit of family, finding joy and connection in the very things that might otherwise cause dismay, a testament to God's design for us to find community and love within our unique circles.