Have you ever attempted to go Christmas caroling only to discover that you can’t remember all the words to half of the carols you were convinced you knew by heart?

No?  Just me? Sure. I believe you.

OK, anyway, Saskatchewan singer-songwriter and pianist Jeffery Straker has done us all a favour by making a lyric video for his take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and we’re thrilled to premiere it here today.

The song is from Jeffrey’s new EP, This Christmas, released on Friday, Nov. 13. 

Jeffrey’s cover of the holiday-classic features banjo and steel guitar joining in around the piano for a folk-roots arrangement, while his sister, Jill, sings some beautiful harmony lines.

The rendition is almost a touch melancholy, which, when you think about it, is kind of appropriate for this Christmas.

The song has been an audience pleaser at Jeffery’s A Very Prairie Christmas shows over the past four years, so it was an easy choice for the recording.

The other two songs on This Christmas are new yuletide originals, but the sound is nonetheless nostalgic.

Holiday time often conjures up anticipation of the big day, of seeing friends and family, and of visits from Santa.

This Christmas does that too, while also touching on new themes – of new love during the holidays and of the longing for Jeffery’s recently departed mother who for years was the foundation of the family and the festive season.

At the end of the day, though, This Christmas leaves the listener on notes of joy and hope – cornerstones of the season.