Hard Candy Christmas is a popular song that was originally released by Dolly Parton in 1973. It was later covered by other artists, including The Waitresses and Amy Grant. The song was written by Dolly Parton and Burt Bacharach, who were inspired by the theme of a hard life during the Christmas season. The lyrics reflect the struggles of finding joy and hope in a time of hardship and uncertainty. The song has since become a holiday classic, and its message of resilience and optimism continues to resonate with listeners today.