One thing I took note of during the long holiday season was the amount of romantic Christmas movies that filled the airwaves, especially those from one particular channel better known to me for greeting cards than for television. But I guess that shows how much attention I pay to the television these days.

Regardless of my feelings, my wife thoroughly enjoyed these offerings, so I found myself watching many of the selections with her. And I discovered that not only does this particular channel offer an array of movies specific to the Christmas season, but for every season. Who knew?

It is certain I didn’t, but in making this discovery, I thought it would be interesting to look for country music songs dedicated to the winter season we are in.

I know for sure there are plenty of holiday selections, just because of the many radio stations that begin their holiday song season sometime in September now. (Okay, maybe not that early – but it seems like it by the time you make it to Christmas Day.)

But what about winter? In doing a little research, the first song I found was the Bill Monroe classic “Footprints in the Snow.” I remember this song well and have played with bluegrass groups that have performed it.

While Monroe made it famous, its origins date back, by some accounts, to the 1800s. I’m not sure of that, but it’s an old tune for sure.

Something a little newer is from one of my favorite artists, Emmylou Harris – “Roses in the Snow,” which also leans toward the bluegrass genre. It is a love song with a sad twist, but if you are an Emmylou fan you will know this tune … and if not, I think you will like it.

One song many music fans will recognize is the Anne Murray rendition of “Snowbird.” This song was found near the top of multiple charts around 1970 and was a Murray staple. It doesn’t glorify winter by any means, but it certainly can fall within my selection of winter country songs and was a huge hit in its day.

Although there are many more winter-themed country songs I could share with you, I will leave you with the Zac Brown Band selection “Colder Weather.” This is a great song, from a musical perspective; it sure isn’t the happiest song in the world, but it is a great ballad and certainly shows the diversity the ZBB possesses.

It’s more about love than winter, as is the case in most of these winter selections – and much like the all those romantic movies I sat through over Christmas, I can’t wait ‘til spring!

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.