Lyrics Page
Once A Year
671 views
Aug 8, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Josh Wilson's "Once A Year" is a Christmas song that challenges listeners to extend the generosity and love of the holiday season throughout the entire year. The lyrics describe a family volunteering on Christmas Eve, passing out food to those in need, and then pose the question of why we only give and show love once a year. The song references the biblical description of love from 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing that love is patient, kind, and always finds time. It encourages a lifestyle of compassion and service, not just during December but every day.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Christmas Eve
Mom and dad
Load the car
With grocery bags
They take the kids
And drive downtown
And spend the night
Passing food out
Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas more than once a year?
No one rings a bell
At the mall in June
But nobody said
We can't give then too
And when autumn comes
With its changing leaves
Could we spend more time
With the least of these
Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas more than once a year?
Love is patient, love is kind
Love will always find the time
Love is now and love is here
Love is more than once a year
Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas, oh, more than once a year?