Livingston Taylor
©2004 L. Taylor - Morgan Creek Music (ASCAP)

My nephew Josh came in my room
The morning was barely light
"Get up, get up Uncle Liv
Santa brought his sleigh last night
There must be a million presents
Scattered all around our tree
Plenty for me and mom and dad
But one thing I didn't see
I'm a little worried
I don't think you got a gift
If you haven't been bad how come Santa
Left you off his list"
Josh you're sweet to worry
My behavior's been OK
But Santa knows what I want
For a perfect Christmas Day

Instead of a toy train
I'd have people all hand in hand
Voices up in harmony
Ringing through the land
And those in charge would listen
Till everyone had their say
That would be my perfect Christmas Day

Instead of a shiny bike
I'd have a family back together again
Knowing that a little forgiveness
Can let the love back in
Bitterness will leave
Respect and love will stay
That would be my perfect Christmas Day

Instead of a baby doll
A father would find his child
He'd apologize for the choices he made
When he was burnt-up young and wild
And from that moment on
He's just a phone call away
Now don't you think that's just about
The perfect Christmas Day

Instead of a play house
Everybody would have a home
Generations together
Nobody would be alone
The young teach us how to laugh
The old teach us how to pray
That would be my perfect Christmas Day