Leeds builder and father-of-four releases heartwarming Christmas song inspired by family
The song was released on Friday
A Leeds builder has released a Christmas song inspired by the joy of spending time with family – and the realisation that not everyone has the same experience.
Paul Stone, who runs a building business while raising his four young children, has released What Does Christmas Mean To You? on Friday (November 6).
The songwriter said Christmas was the one time of year when the pressures of work and family life eased, giving him the chance to spend precious time with his children.
He said: “For me, Christmas is the one time of year when everything slows down.
“There’s no midweek dad taxi for football, netball, dancing, swimming or rugby, the phone finally stops ringing for work, and we get that precious opportunity to relax and spend time together.
“That’s what Christmas means to me. Having everyone together.”
But reflecting on Christmas last year, Paul began thinking about families whose circumstances were very different from his own.
As a father of four, he said he was conscious that while Christmas could bring excitement, security and togetherness for some, others faced uncertainty, hardship or separation.
The thoughts inspired him to write the song, which asks listeners to consider what the festive season means to them.
Rather than offering a definitive answer, the track invites people to reflect on their own experiences and spare a thought for those who may not be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
Paul recorded the single with The Basement Collective, a group of musicians connected through longstanding friendships on the northern live music circuit.
The song takes inspiration from the warmth and familiarity of traditional Christmas classics.
During the recording sessions, Paul said it became clear that even among the friends making the record, everyone had different thoughts and feelings about Christmas.
That prompted further reflection on the question at the heart of the song – whether the festive season means something different to everyone.
Paul, who studied at Leeds College of Music, built a professional recording studio beneath his family home, where he records alongside The Basement Collective.
His previous releases, including Brother and Embers, have received support from Jazz FM, BBC Radio, Boom Radio and stations across Europe, the US and Canada.
Despite his musical ambitions, Paul continues to balance songwriting with running his building business and raising his family.
He hopes the new single will become a Christmas song people return to each year, with its uplifting sound encouraging listeners to think about what the season means to them.