The Heart of Christmas

Album: The Heart of Christmas (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the title track of Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West's first Christmas album, which is a mixture of original songs and classic Christmas favorites. After his video for "One Last Christmas" became a hit on YouTube, a film producer contacted West. He wanted to make a movie inspired by the song's true story of 2-year-old Dax Locke, who when he was dying of leukemia was given a special last Christmas by his local community. The producer asked West to read the script and write a new song that would potentially serve as the title of the movie. The singer-songwriter explained to The Boot: "Instead of it being a specific story song like 'One Last Christmas,' it needed to be a song that captured the whole essence of the film and the other stories that were going to go along with the script. After reading the script and realizing that one of the main characters is this mom who has a couple kids, is working two jobs and trying to make time for everything, when she's really missing the heart of Christmas, that's how I came up with the song idea." The movie people liked it and decided to call the movie 'The Heart of Christmas' as well.
  • West has a small part in The Heart Of Christmas playing a friendly neighbor who together with his wife comes up with the idea of putting up Christmas decorations round the local community in honor of the little boy.

Comments: 2

  • Barb Herbert from Alberta CanadaI love this movie. Each time I watch it, I realize just how fast this world is turning and we need to slow down and see just how precious time is. Thank you Matthew West for sharing your beautiful voice.
  • Christine Loveridge from Birmingham. I love watching this movie, at this time of the year . It always brings tears to my eyes. Great songs and actors. Will never get bored with it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Randy Houser

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.