Editor’s Note: This article was updated and republished for the 2025 Holiday Season
Out here on the range, the holiday season always feels a little different. There’s a quiet magic to a cowboy Christmas. A time when the glow of a campfire stands in for city lights, and the spirit of giving is measured in kindness, grit, and the simple joys of the western way of life. As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself grateful for the timeless traditions that connect all of us, whether we’re riding fence lines or gathered around a kitchen table.
This year, may the words of S. Omar Barker’s “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” remind us of what matters most: faith, freedom, and the hope that every trail leads home.
A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer
I ain’t much good at prayin’, and You may not know me, Lord —
For I ain’t much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word.
But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin’ after cattle, feelin’ thankful when it rains.
Admirin’ Thy great handiwork.
The miracle of the grass,
Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend
Can look up at the stars at night, and know we’ve got a Friend.
So here’s ol’ Christmas comin’ on, remindin’ us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain’t a preacher, Lord, but if You’ll hear my prayer,
I’ll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don’t let no hearts be bitter, Lord.
Don’t let no child be cold.
Make easy the beds for them that’s sick and them that’s weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we’re after,
And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
I’ve seen ol’ cows a-starvin’ — and it ain’t no happy sight;
Please don’t leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night —
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet
I’ll do my doggone best to help you find ’em chuck to eat.
I’m just a sinful cowpoke, Lord — ain’t got no business prayin’
But still I hope you’ll ketch a word or two, of what I’m sayin’:
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord—
I reckon You’ll agree—
There ain’t no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain’t free!
So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!
– S. Omar Barker
About the Poet Laurette of New Mexico
It’s been written that S. Omar Barker earned more from the publication and uses of his “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” than from any other poem. He was born in the rugged high country of central New Mexico, and lived there his entire life.
He was one of the founders of the Western Writers of America, and many of his poems were published by Western Horseman magazine. Well-known as an original character, he even enjoyed signing his name with his brand, “Lazy SOB.”
Photo: Estate of S. Omar Barker
So respected was Barker as a cowboy poet that Tennessee Ernie Ford and sausage king, country singer Jimmy Dean read this poem on national television. And it’s been reprinted more than 100 times in collections of Barker’s works, in magazines, and on Christmas cards.
In December 2013, the estate of S. Omar Barker placed this poem in the public domain as a gift for all of us to enjoy.
Cowboy Christmas Traditions, Then and Now
It’s easy to imagine cowboys of old celebrating Christmas out on the open range. But the heart of a cowboy Christmas lives on today. Whether it’s stringing lights on the barn, sharing a home-cooked meal with family, or gathering with friends at a local rodeo, the western holiday spirit is alive and well across ranches and small towns all over the country. This season, I’m reminded of that spirit when I watched neighbors come together to help each other after a harsh storm. A true example of cowboy kindness and community, just as important now as it was a century ago.
One thing I love most about the Holidays is the food. And more important than what we serve on the table, there’s the time with family and friends to celebrate a magical spirit. If you’re looking to add a little more Western flavor to your holiday, check out my post on 5 Classic Western Dishes Every Cast Iron Cook Should Master. Nothing brings folks together quite like a hearty meal around the table.
As We Approach Christmas, My Prayer for You
Christmas is fast approaching. For Christians, this is a time for us to celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ by exchanging gifts of love and spending time with those who are truly important in our lives.
Even for those of other faiths, Christmas is a time to celebrate peace on Earth as we would want it to be every day. So, to my family and friends here in the US, in Canada, and in all places far and wide, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noël. And, to my friends of any faith (and even those who don’t follow a religion), wherever you are on Christmas Day, may peace be with you on this day and throughout the coming year. —☆
Share Your Cowboy Christmas Story
I’d love to hear how you and your family celebrate Christmas, cowboy-style. Do you have a favorite tradition, recipe, or memory from holidays past? Drop your story in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your cowboy Christmas moments.
