It's the 24th of December, on any given year
We're cleaning up the house, waiting for the family to get here
My sister flew in from Alberta
I'm gonna go and pick her up
Hello is always easy, goodbye's always so tough
She's married now with children
And since she's moved away
Well I think about them everyday
Now's the time for catching up
What's new and how've you been
It's Christmas in Cape Breton

I'm still wrapping presents, with the company in sight
My brother's swinging by the window,
On a string of Christmas lights
Well I smell smoke, the turkey's ready
Set the table, forks, and knives
The wine is chilling in a snowbank, til the family arrives
Now dad puts on a record, of our favorite festive songs
I've been waiting for this evening all year long
We sing along to country Christmas
With a young Loretta Lynn
It's Christmas in Cape Breton

Grandpa's passed away now
Though he's never felt so near
His sons now tell his stories
His grandson fills his chair
Our neighbors, George and Gertie
They spend their holidays down south
They're spending Christmas down in Florida
Man, that's all they talk about
We just received their postcard
Says wishing you were here
I can't picture spending Christmas anywhere
But here in this house with my family again
It's Christmas in Cape Breton

Now let's have a toast
Lift up your glass
To the ones who are here and the ones who've passed
The snow is falling down
The whole family's here
And the scent of the fire and pine in the air
And the night's still young
Let the party begin
It's Christmas in Cape Breton
It's Christmas in Cape Breton