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"Christmas Wrapping"
Single by the Waitresses
from the album A Christmas Record
B-side
  • "Hangover 1/1/83"
Released1981
Recorded1981
StudioElectric Lady (New York City)
Genre
Length
  • 5:18 (album version)
  • 4:30 (single version)
  • 4:21 (radio edit)
LabelZE
Songwriter
Producer
  • Chris Butler
The Waitresses singles chronology
"I Know What Boys Like"
(1980) 		"Christmas Wrapping"
(1981) 		"I Know What Boys Like"
(1982)

"Christmas Wrapping" is a Christmas song by the American new wave band the Waitresses. First released on ZE Records' 1981 compilation album A Christmas Record, it later appeared on the band's 1982 EP I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts and numerous other holiday compilation albums.[1] It was written and produced by Chris Butler, with vocals by Patty Donahue.[2]

"Christmas Wrapping" received positive reviews and AllMusic described it as "one of the best holiday pop tunes ever recorded". It has been covered by more than a dozen acts, including the Spice Girls.

Writing

[edit]

In 1981, ZE Records asked each of its artists to record a Christmas song for a compilation album, A Christmas Record. The Waitresses were in the middle of a difficult tour and the Christmas song commission was "the last thing we wanted", Butler said later.[3][4]

Butler wrote the song that August, assembling it from assorted unused riffs.[5] He finished the lyrics in a taxi on the way to the recording studio,[6] Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village.[7] Butler said the lyrics came from his hatred of Christmas: "Everybody I knew in New York was running around like a bunch of fiends. It wasn't about joy. It was something to cope with."[5] The bassist, Tracy Wormworth, was inspired by Bernard Edwards' bassline on the recently released "Good Times" by Chic.[6]

Written while hip hop music was beginning to gain prominence, "Christmas Wrapping" is "almost rapped" by Donahue.[5] Its title, a pun on "rapping",[8] alludes to the 1979 song "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow.[9] Butler said he did not really think of Donahue's performance as a rap, as it was a new musical form, but said: "It was OK for a white guy to tell a story but tell it in rhythmic verse. And, it does have a melody, just three notes because Patty was no belter, but she’s a good enough actress that she could act it out."[10] Butler said he also liked the meaning of "wraparound", as the story is circular.[9]

Lyrics

[edit]

"Christmas Wrapping" is told from the perspective of a busy single woman who declines to participate in the exhausting Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, she seeks cranberries at a grocery store, where she encounters a man she has been interested in all year, bringing her Christmas "to a very happy ending". In the final refrain, she admits that she "couldn't miss this one this year".[11]

Release

[edit]

"Christmas Wrapping" was released as a single in the UK in 1981 on Island Records. It did not initially make the charts, but was reissued in 1982 and reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart that December.[12] It remains the Waitresses' highest-charting single in the UK,[13] and despite its modest chart placing, the song was certified platinum by the BPI in 2024.

Butler said the reception was a rejuvenating gift for the band: "We do the Christmas song, forget about it and go back on the road. The next thing I know when calling back to New York is that it's all over the radio and much to our surprise it leaps over our heads and hits all the cities where we're heading and all of a sudden we're back on an upswing again."[3]

Legacy

[edit]

In 2005, Guardian journalist Dorian Lynskey called the song "fizzing, funky dance-around-the-Christmas-tree music for Brooklyn hipsters".[14] In 2012, the Daily Telegraph writer Bernadette McNulty called it "one of the most charming, insouciant festive songs ever".[8] The AllMusic reviewer Andy Hinds called it "one of the best holiday pop tunes ever recorded".[1]

During the 2016 Christmas season, it re-entered the UK singles chart at number 96.[13] The song appears in numerous holiday-music compilations, including The Edge of Christmas, Dr. Demento's Holidays in Dementia, and Now That's What I Call Christmas!: The Signature Collection.[15] Each festive season, Butler makes a donation to the Akron-Summit County children's library in the name of the first person to tell him they heard "Christmas Wrapping" on the radio.[6]

Covers

[edit]

"Christmas Wrapping" was covered by the British pop group Spice Girls as a B-side for their 1998 single "Goodbye",[16] with lyrics altered to include a reference to British supermarket chain Tesco instead of the American chain A&P.[6] It has also been covered by Save Ferris (with lyrics altered for a Jewish perspective),[17] Kate Nash,[18] the Front Bottoms,[19] Devon Kay & The Solutions,[20] the Donnas,[21] Summer Camp,[21] the cast of the Broadway musical Wicked,[22] comedian Doug Benson,[23] Martha Wainwright,[24] the cast of the TV show Glee (with Heather Morris on lead vocals),[25] and Disney Channel star Bella Thorne.[26] British/Irish girl band the Saturdays covered the song for the film Get Santa.[27] Kylie Minogue recorded the song with Iggy Pop for her 2015 album, Kylie Christmas.[28]

Sinkane, studying a Masters in composition, produced a cover for Christmas 2020. It featured Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem) singing lead, Nick Millhiser (Holy Ghost!) on drums, and Money Mark (The Beastie Boys) on Moog.[29] Profits from this release went to The Food Bank for New York City.

Track listings and formats

[edit]
  1. "Christmas Wrapping"  – 3:55
  2. "Hangover 1/1/83"  – 4:30
  1. "Christmas Wrapping" (Long Version) – 5:23
  2. "Hangover 1/1/83"  – 4:30
  1. "Christmas Wrapping" (Single Edit Version) – 4:30
  2. "Christmas Wrapping" (Long Version) – 5:23
  3. "Hangover 1/1/83"  – 4:30

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits and personnel are adapted from "Christmas Wrapping" vinyl liner notes.[30]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1981–2020) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)[33] 45
US Billboard Alternative Digital Songs Sales[34] 9
US Billboard Rock Digital Songs[35] 8
US Billboard Rock Streaming Songs[36] 24
US Holiday 100 (Billboard)[37] 67
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[38] 12

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[39] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Christmas Wrapping

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Christmas Wrapping" is a Christmas song by the American new wave band the Waitresses, written by guitarist Chris Butler.[1] First released on ZE Records' 1981 compilation album A Christmas Record, it features lead vocals by Patty Donahue and narrates a woman's humorous, cynical experiences leading her to spend the holiday alone.[2] The track, known for its punk-inflected new wave style and anti-holiday sentiment, became an underground hit and has since evolved into a perennial holiday staple.[3] Issued as a single in the UK in 1981, it failed to chart initially but reached number 45 upon reissue in 1982.[4] The song gained broader popularity through holiday re-releases and media exposure, charting in various countries in subsequent decades, including a peak of number 87 in the UK in 2018.[5]

Background

Band Context

The Waitresses were formed in 1978 in Akron, Ohio, by guitarist and songwriter Chris Butler as a side project while he was still a member of the local band Tin Huey.[6] Emerging from the vibrant Midwest new wave scene, the band drew from Akron's rich musical ecosystem, which included influential acts like Devo and Tin Huey, fostering an environment of experimental rock and punk experimentation amid the city's industrial backdrop and proximity to educational hubs like Kent State University.[6][7] The band's sound blended new wave and post-punk elements, characterized by witty, sarcastic lyrics delivered with a deadpan edge and minimalist instrumentation that emphasized quirky rhythms and narrative-driven songs.[6][8] Key members included lead vocalist Patty Donahue, whose distinctive, matter-of-fact delivery became a hallmark; Chris Butler on guitar and as primary songwriter; bassist Tracy Wormworth; drummer Billy Ficca, formerly of Television; and occasional contributors like saxophonist Mars Williams.[6][7] By 1980, The Waitresses had relocated to New York City, signing with ZE Records and releasing their debut single, "I Know What Boys Like," which captured their irreverent style and gained traction in the post-punk underground.[7] Their first full-length album, Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful?, followed in 1982 on Polydor, showcasing a mix of angular guitar work and humorous storytelling that solidified their niche in the early 1980s new wave landscape.[8] The group disbanded in 1984 after a second album, Bruiseology, marking a brief but impactful run influenced by Akron's DIY ethos and connections to broader Midwest acts.[6]

Compilation Album

In 1981, ZE Records invited artists from its roster, including The Waitresses, Suicide, Cristina, Material, August Darnell, Was (Not Was, and others, to contribute original Christmas songs for a holiday compilation album titled A Christmas Record.https://wers.org/the-waitresses-christmas-wrapping/[9] This mid-summer commission came as the label sought to capture the experimental spirit of New York's no wave and new wave scenes through a festive lens, tasking the musicians with reimagining holiday themes in their signature styles.[10][11] The album was released in November 1981 by ZE Records, distributed through Island Records, and featured nine tracks that infused punk and new wave elements into traditional Christmas motifs, such as Alan Vega's melancholic "No More Christmas Blues" and Suicide's stark "Hey Lord."[12][13] The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping" emerged as one of the compilation's standout contributions, hastily recorded by the band during a break from their demanding tour promoting their debut single and album.[14][11] Under founder Michael Zilkha, ZE Records embodied an experimental ethos, serving as a haven for avant-garde and "outlier" artists who blended punk, funk, and disco in subversive ways, with the compilation aiming to disrupt the saccharine norms of conventional holiday music.[15][10] Initially, A Christmas Record achieved limited commercial success, overshadowed by mainstream releases, but it gradually gained cult following in indie and alternative circles for its innovative approach to the genre.[11][16]

Creation

Writing Process

Chris Butler, the guitarist and primary songwriter for The Waitresses, composed "Christmas Wrapping" entirely on his own in 1981.[17] The song's creation was inspired by Butler's personal exhaustion from holiday preparations and the relentless demands of the season, which he channeled into a satirical take on festive cheer.[18] Additionally, it served as a spoof of Kurtis Blow's 1979 single "Christmas Rappin'," the first major-label rap holiday track, reflecting the emerging influence of hip-hop on Butler's work.[2][19] Butler crafted the narrative as a first-person account from a woman's perspective, chronicling her tumultuous year of mishaps—from Thanksgiving woes to summer flings and autumn heartbreaks—culminating in a chance encounter with a former flame on Christmas Eve while shopping for cranberry sauce.[17] He wrote the lyrics by piecing together fragments of unfinished ideas into a cohesive story.[2] To align with the band's sarcastic style, Butler opted for a blend of rap-like spoken-word delivery and new wave sensibilities, creating a rhythmic, conversational flow that mimicked the urgency of holiday chaos.[18] The title "Christmas Wrapping" emerged as a deliberate pun, playing on the act of gift-wrapping while nodding to the "rapping" technique borrowed from Blow's song.[17] In its initial draft, Butler emphasized an anti-holiday cynicism, capturing the protagonist's weariness with seasonal obligations, but he concluded with an uplifting resolution to conform to traditional Christmas tropes of redemption and joy.[18] As Butler later reflected, "I thought ‘OK, wrap. There’s a double or triple pun there,’" highlighting his intent to infuse wit into the track's conceptual foundation.[17]

Recording and Production

The Waitresses recorded "Christmas Wrapping" in the summer of 1981 at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.[18][6] The session was scheduled to meet the release deadline for Ze Records' compilation album A Christmas Record, with the band allotted three days for tracking and one day for mixing under the guidance of house engineer and co-producer Michael Frondelli.[6] Lead vocalist Patty Donahue delivered her performance in a signature deadpan, spoken-sung style that defined the song's wry new wave tone, requiring multiple punch-ins during tracking to accommodate the dense, rapid-fire lyrics and allow her to catch her breath.[6][18] Backing vocals and instrumentation came from core band members, including Chris Butler on guitar, Tracy Wormworth on bass, and Billy Ficca on drums, with additional contributions from saxophonist Mars Williams on reeds and brass, trumpeter Dave Buck, and keyboardist Dan Klayman.[20][6] The arrangement emphasized a minimalist new wave energy through a driving bass line inspired by Chic's "Good Times," a simple drum beat, and jangly guitar riffs, augmented by horn accents to evoke a loose, jazzy feel without extensive overdubs beyond basic tracking.[18][20] The original recording ran 5:23 in length, capturing the band's live-like efficiency, but was later edited down to 4:25 for its single release to suit radio play.

Lyrics and Music

Lyrical Content

The lyrics of "Christmas Wrapping" are delivered from a first-person female perspective by lead vocalist Patty Donahue, infusing the narrative with an ironic detachment that underscores the protagonist's weary navigation of holiday demands.[21] The song unfolds as a linear story across four main verses, interspersed with a repetitive chorus, tracing a year-long arc of romantic near-misses culminating in serendipity. The opening verse establishes the narrator's rejection of overt holiday cynicism through the line "Bah, humbug" no, that's too strong, affirming her fondness for Christmas while lamenting the year's "busy blur" that has drained her energy for further seasonal obligations like parties and shopping. She idealizes the "perfect gift" as unresolved "completions and connections left from last year," specifically referencing an "interesting" ski shop encounter where she obtained the phone number of "that guy" but lacked time to pursue it, with "most of '81 passed along those lines." The verse resolves with her opting for solitude: So deck those halls, trim those trees / Raise up cups of Christmas cheer / 'Cause I just need to catch my breath / Christmas by myself this year.[21] A recurring chorus follows, emphasizing her fatigue with the lines Merry Christmas, merry Christmas / But I think I'll miss this one this year, repeated four times to convey escalating resignation and isolation from the festivities.[21] The second verse advances the timeline through seasonal flashbacks, depicting spring's missed lunch date due to incompatible schedules ("Couldn't agree when we were both free / We tried, we said we'd keep in touch / Didn't, of course") and summer's thwarted boat outing to the beach, where she declines and suffers a "sunburn in the third degree." By late December, with "the calendar's just one page," she expresses mild excitement for Christmas Eve but resolves to keep expectations low: Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind / Not to do too much about it.[21] The third verse shifts to Christmas Eve itself, portraying her low-key preparations: bundled against the cold, she handles "last minute" cards and calls but declines "RSVP" party invites and avoids "party lights," preferring to "relax" alone. A flashback to fall recalls waiting vainly at a Halloween party for "that guy," whose car "wouldn't go," prompting her to trudge home early: Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late / Trudge on home to celebrate / In a quiet way, unwind / Doing Christmas right this time.[21] The narrative reaches its climax in the final verse, where an overlooked detail forces her out: realizing she forgot cranberry sauce for her solo meal, she visits the A&P grocery store late on Christmas Eve. The nearly deserted store heightens the chance encounter as "that guy" appears ahead in line for the same item. The pivotal exchange—"He said, 'Give me a break, this year's been crazy' / I said, 'Me too, but why are you? / You mean you forgot cranberries too?'"—triggers shared laughter and mutual recognition, resolving the year's frustrations: Then suddenly we laughed and laughed / Caught on to what was happening / That Christmas magic's brought this tale / To a very happy end.[21] 
A&P has provided me
With the brightest one insight of the night
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year
He said, "Give me a break, this year's been crazy"
I said, "Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?"
Then suddenly we laughed
And caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic's brought this tale
To a very happy end
[21] The lyrics feature an irregular rhyme scheme with end and internal rhymes (e.g., "blur" / "bell" in the opener), fostering a conversational, rap-influenced rhythm akin to reciting a short story in tempo, as described by songwriter Chris Butler.[22] This structure, combined with the repetitive chorus, amplifies the sense of year-end exhaustion while propelling the spoken-word-like verses forward. The original 1981 wording has remained unchanged across reissues, preserving the narrative's crisp progression.[23]

Musical Composition

"Christmas Wrapping" blends new wave with elements of hip-hop and rap parody, characteristic of the early 1980s post-punk scene. The song operates at a tempo of 115 beats per minute in the key of A major, creating an energetic yet understated groove that parodies the emerging rap style through its rhythmic spoken delivery.[24][19][25] The composition follows a straightforward verse-chorus structure: an instrumental intro leads into spoken-rap verses, punctuated by a repeating chorus, followed by additional verses, a bridge-like transition, and an outro that fades out over the steady 4/4 beat. This format emphasizes the narrative flow, with the verses delivered in a rhythmic, talk-sung manner over a driving pulse that maintains momentum without complex variations. The original album recording runs 5:18, while the single version is 4:30 and a radio edit shortens it to approximately 4:21 by trimming the fade-out, preserving the core arrangement for broadcast.[21][26] Instrumentation centers on a prominent bass riff that anchors the track, complemented by sparse guitar chords that provide rhythmic punctuation rather than melodic fills, and a syncopated saxophone riff. The arrangement avoids synthesizers, retaining a raw punk-inflected edge through live drums and minimalistic rock elements that heighten the song's ironic detachment. Lead vocalist Patty Donahue's monotone rap-singing style—drowsy and deadpan—contrasts sharply with the upbeat rhythm, amplifying the humorous, world-weary tone of the holiday narrative.[27][28][29]

Release and Promotion

Initial Release

"Christmas Wrapping" first appeared on the ZE Records compilation album A Christmas Record, released in December 1981 as a vinyl LP and cassette in various international markets, including the UK (catalog ILPS 7017), Germany (catalog 204 222), and France (catalog 6313 272).[30] The track was produced by Chris Butler and positioned as the second song on side B of the original LP edition.[13] The song received a standalone 7-inch vinyl single release in the UK on ZE Records in 1981 (catalog WIP 6763) with "Christmas Fever" by Charlélie Couture as the B-side.[31] A 1982 reissue (WIP 6821) featured "Hangover 1/1/83" as the B-side. A promotional version was also issued in the US on Polydor (catalog PRO 193 DJ) in 1982.[32] Initial promotion was constrained by the band's affiliation with the independent ZE Records label and the late-year holiday release timing, which limited broader marketing efforts.[10] European variations included a UK 12-inch single (catalog 12WIP 6821) featuring an extended mix of "Christmas Wrapping" running 5:25, backed with "Hangover 1/1/83."[33] No official music video was produced for the song in 1981, though subsequent fan-made edits have incorporated live footage and clips from the band's other performances.[34]

Promotion and Reissues

Following its initial release, "Christmas Wrapping" received increased radio airplay on alternative stations in the early 1980s, aided by the band's new recording contract with Polydor Records in 1982.[35] The track was also included on the Waitresses' EP I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts, released in 1982 on Polydor.[36] In the 1990s, the song appeared on CD compilations, including The Best of The Waitresses (Polydor, 1990), which collected key tracks from the band's catalog.[37] During the digital era, "Christmas Wrapping" became widely available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music beginning around 2011, with a remastered single edition following in 2016.[38] It has since become a regular feature on SiriusXM's holiday music channels, including Holly (channel 79), during seasonal programming.[39] In 2024, a high-quality remaster of the long version, titled "The Benevolent Remaster," was made available online.[40]

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

Upon its initial independent release in 1981, "Christmas Wrapping" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, as the track was featured on the ZE Records compilation album A Christmas Record rather than as a standalone commercial single.[41] A 1982 reissue in the United Kingdom marked the song's first chart appearance, peaking at number 45 on the Official Singles Chart and spending a total of 16 weeks on the listing across multiple runs.[4] The song has achieved sustained success on holiday-specific charts, reflecting its enduring radio and streaming appeal during the festive season. On Billboard's Holiday 100, it reached a peak position of number 67 in December 2018.[42] In the UK, "Christmas Wrapping" has re-entered the Official Singles Chart annually since 2017, typically for one to two weeks each December, driven by seasonal airplay and downloads.[1] It has also appeared on sub-charts such as the Official Streaming Chart (peaking at number 36) and Official Singles Downloads Chart (peaking at number 73), with consistent holiday-period entries.[4] In the streaming era, the track has seen significant digital uptake, accumulating over 45 million streams on Spotify for its primary version as of November 2025, alongside additional plays across variant editions.[43] This resurgence aligns with broader holiday streaming trends, where the song experiences sharp seasonal spikes but does not maintain year-round presence on mainstream charts.

Certifications and Sales

In the United Kingdom, "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2024, recognizing combined sales and streaming equivalents of 400,000 units. This certification reflects the song's sustained popularity as a holiday staple, particularly through reissues and digital platforms, though no earlier BPI awards were issued prior to the 21st century due to its initial niche release on the 1981 compilation A Christmas Record. No certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) have been awarded to the single as of 2025, despite its annual resurgence in U.S. holiday playlists and digital sales charts, such as reaching the top five on the Billboard Alternative Digital Song Sales chart in 2020.[44] The track's commercial growth post-2000 has been bolstered by inclusions on high-selling holiday compilations like the Now That's What I Call Christmas! series, which have collectively moved millions of units and amplified its exposure.[2] Globally, "Christmas Wrapping" has amassed over 75 million streams on Spotify across its various versions as of November 2025, with the primary track exceeding 45 million plays and the single edit surpassing 21 million.[45] These figures underscore seasonal spikes, driven by digital downloads since the mid-2000s and streaming dominance in recent years, though comprehensive worldwide unit sales estimates remain unavailable due to the song's fragmented release history across physical, digital, and compilation formats.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its 1981 release on the ZE Records compilation A Christmas Record, "Christmas Wrapping" received praise for its witty anti-Christmas satire, standing out amid the album's eclectic new wave contributions.[11] Critics highlighted the song's sharp, punchy energy and its blend of holiday exasperation with an upbeat resolution, marking it as a clever departure from traditional festive fare.[16] AllMusic described it as "one of the best holiday pop tunes ever," emphasizing its enduring charm and satirical bite.[46] While some early takes noted its niche appeal within post-punk and new wave audiences, Patty Donahue's deadpan vocals were widely lauded as perfectly suited to the song's ironic tone, delivering lines with measured exasperation that enhanced its humorous edge.[47] In the 2000s and 2010s, the track experienced a revival, frequently topping lists of the best ironic Christmas songs for its cynical yet relatable take on holiday overload. Rolling Stone in 2019 called it "one of the greatest Christmas singles ever" for its innovative wit on the timeless A Christmas Record.[48] Pitchfork ranked it 12th on their 2016 list of the 50 best holiday songs, praising its self-possessed, wry honesty and fusion of new wave funk with a festive meet-cute narrative.[49] The BBC in 2023 hailed it as a "delightfully cynical festive favorite" and an "anti-Christmas" outlier that has transcended its origins as a novelty hit by a short-lived cult band, securing a special place in the holiday pantheon due to its grounded portrayal of seasonal stress.[1] Similarly, The Guardian in 2020 referred to it as a "festive classic," crediting its tongue-in-cheek satire and Donahue's trouper-like vocal performance for its lasting appeal.[18] Recent reassessments from 2023 to 2025 continue to underscore the song's enduring sarcasm amid themes of holiday exhaustion. Aggregated scores reflect consistent acclaim, with no Metacritic equivalent but an average of 3.47/5 on Rate Your Music and positive retrospectives from Pitchfork and AllMusic affirming its high-impact status as a holiday punk classic.[25]

Cultural Impact and Media Use

"Christmas Wrapping" has solidified its status as a holiday staple through prominent placements in films and television, enhancing its cultural resonance during the festive season. The song features in the 2022 Disney+ special The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, where it underscores a scene of characters experiencing holiday traditions on Earth.[50] It also appears in the 2023 Netflix comedy Family Switch, playing as the protagonists navigate a body-swap mishap amid holiday chaos.[51] Similarly, the track is included in the 2022 AMC+ film Christmas with the Campbells, contributing to its comedic family reunion narrative.[52] These media uses have helped perpetuate the song's playful, relatable depiction of holiday exhaustion among diverse audiences. In the United Kingdom, "Christmas Wrapping" gained early traction through its inclusion in the 1981 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special "Christmas Crackers," where it complemented the show's humorous take on working-class festivities, leading to repeated airings in holiday reruns during the 1980s and 1990s.[53] The song's modern legacy underscores its enduring appeal as an "anti-Christmas" anthem that ironically celebrates the season's imperfections. A 2023 BBC Culture article highlighted its transformation from a cult novelty into a festive favorite, praising its witty lyrics about solo holiday survival as a counterpoint to overly sentimental carols.[1] It receives annual rotations on satellite radio channels like SiriusXM's holiday programming, maintaining its presence in contemporary listening habits. A 2024 remastered version, available on platforms like Spotify, has further amplified its streams during the holiday period.[54] "Christmas Wrapping" has influenced the tradition of ironic holiday music, paving the way for subversive takes on Christmas themes by later artists such as Sufjan Stevens, whose extensive catalog of quirky seasonal songs echoes its blend of cynicism and cheer.[49] In the 2020s, the track has fueled meme culture on TikTok, inspiring user-generated holiday challenges featuring dances and lip-syncs that humorously reenact its narrative of last-minute festivities.[55] As of 2025, "Christmas Wrapping" continues to dominate holiday playlists across streaming services, with no major new events but sustained popularity evidenced by over 34 million digital downloads to date, reinforcing its role as a perennial cultural touchstone.[56]

Covers and Interpretations

Notable Covers

The Spice Girls recorded an upbeat pop cover of "Christmas Wrapping" in 1998, released as the B-side to their single "Goodbye," which featured added group harmonies and altered lyrics reflecting the band's experiences throughout that year.[57] This version, performed live during their Spiceworld Tour, infused the original's rap parody style with the group's energetic pop flair. In 2015, Kylie Minogue released a sultry electronic duet version with Iggy Pop on her holiday album Kylie Christmas, transforming the track into a dance-oriented holiday number with prominent synth beats and shared vocals that highlighted Pop's punk edge. The collaboration emphasized a modern, club-ready reinterpretation while retaining the song's festive narrative.[58] The indie punk duo The Front Bottoms offered a raw, accelerated cover in 2011 as a fan holiday single, stripping down the arrangement to acoustic guitar and urgent vocals for a lo-fi, energetic feel that amplified the track's punk potential.[59] On the TV series Glee in 2011, Heather Morris, as character Brittany, performed a spirited solo version in the episode "Extraordinary Merry Christmas," featured on the soundtrack Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2, which brought a theatrical, youthful pop sensibility to the song.[60] Bella Thorne contributed a bubbly dance-pop cover in 2013 for the Disney compilation Holidays Unwrapped, tailored for a teen audience with bright production and her vibrant vocals, positioning it as a family-friendly holiday single. Smash Mouth, featuring Susanna Hoffs, released a collaborative cover in 2023 on their holiday album Missile Toes, blending their signature pop-rock sound with Hoffs' distinctive vocals for a nostalgic yet fresh take on the holiday classic.[61] Bittersweethearts delivered an official cover in 2024, accompanied by a music video, offering an indie pop rendition that captures the song's witty lyrics and festive spirit with modern production.[62] In 2021, The Cringe & Friends delivered a lively YouTube cover with full live band instrumentation, featuring multiple vocalists and percussion for a communal, high-energy rock rendition that captured the song's party atmosphere.[63] Covers of "Christmas Wrapping" number over 13 documented versions, frequently amplifying the original's pop or punk elements through genre shifts like electronic dance or indie rock adaptations.[64]

Samples and Remixes

The long version of "Christmas Wrapping," clocking in at 5:23, was issued as the A-side of a 1982 12-inch single by ZE Records in the UK, incorporating extended instrumental sections that expand on the original recording's structure.[65] This version, produced by Chris Butler, became the foundational edit for many subsequent releases and alterations of the track.[13] In 2019, an official Xtendamix edit accompanied by a lyric video was released on YouTube, offering a refreshed take on the song with modern production tweaks while retaining its core new wave elements.[66] Similarly, a 2024 remaster known as the Benevolent Remaster of the long version appeared on YouTube, applying audio enhancements for improved clarity and dynamics without altering the original mix.[40] The song has seen limited sampling in other works, with notable interpolations including HAIM's 2020 track "Christmas Wrapping 2020 (All I Want for Christmas is a Vaccine)," which reinterprets the melody and lyrics in a pandemic-themed context.[67] Fan-created remixes proliferated on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube during the 2010s, often fusing the track with electronic dance music; examples include Michael Swaggerson's 2014 hi-fi cut remix and the 2020 Dirty Disco Holiday Remix, which adds pulsating beats and synth layers.[68][69] No major commercial samples of the track have emerged since 2020.

Formats and Credits

Track Listings

"Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses first appeared on the 1981 compilation album A Christmas Record, released by ZE Records, where it is positioned as track B2 with a duration of 5:25.[70] The song was subsequently issued as a 7-inch single in 1982 by ZE Records, featuring an edited version on the A-side and a B-side track. The single edit runs 4:30. The B-side is "Hangover 1/1/83", a non-instrumental track with a length of 4:30. A 12-inch maxi-single was also released in 1982 by ZE Records in the UK, presenting the extended long version on the A-side at 5:23 and the same "Hangover 1/1/83" on the B-side at 4:30.[33] No dub version appears on official releases.[71] The track has been reissued on CD compilations, including the 1987 album A Very Special Christmas (volume 1) by A&M Records, using the 4:30 single edit. Digital reissues in the 2000s and later, such as on platforms like Spotify, typically feature the original album version at 5:23.[72] In 2016, ZE Records released a remastered digital EP including the single edit (4:30), long version (5:23), and "Hangover 1/1/83" (4:30).[73] In 2024, a "Radio Edit" version was released as a standalone digital single on platforms like Spotify.[54] No official 2024 remaster beyond this was identified, though fan remasters exist online.[40] Variations across formats include no picture disc editions; streaming versions often incorporate embedded lyrics metadata for enhanced user experience.[71]
FormatYearLabelTrack Configuration
LP (Compilation: A Christmas Record)1981ZE RecordsB2: "Christmas Wrapping" (5:25)[70]
7-inch Single1982ZE RecordsA: "Christmas Wrapping" (Single Edit, 4:30)
B: "Hangover 1/1/83" (4:30)
12-inch Single1982ZE RecordsA: "Christmas Wrapping" (Long Version, 5:23)
B: "Hangover 1/1/83" (4:30)[33]
CD (Compilation: A Very Special Christmas)1987A&M Records"Christmas Wrapping" (4:30 edit)
Digital EP (Remastered)2016ZE Records1. "Christmas Wrapping" (Single Edit, 4:30)
2. "Christmas Wrapping" (Long Version, 5:23)
3. "Hangover 1/1/83" (4:30)[73]
Digital Single (Radio Edit)2024(Streaming Platforms)"Christmas Wrapping" (Radio Edit)[54]

Personnel

The personnel for "Christmas Wrapping," recorded in 1981 by the core lineup of new wave band The Waitresses, consisted of the following key contributors.[33]
  • Patty Donahue – lead vocals[33]
  • Chris Butler – guitar, producer, songwriter[33]
  • Tracy Wormworth – bass, backing vocals[33]
  • Billy Ficca – drums[33]
  • Dan Klayman – keyboards[33]
  • Mars Williams – saxophone, horn arrangements[33]
  • Dave Buck – trumpet[33]
  • Mike Firondelli – engineer[33]
Backing vocals were provided by the band members collectively, with no additional guest artists involved in the original session.[33]

References

  1. Why Do We Wrap Presents? | The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  2. The History Of Gift Wrap - NPR
  3. A Brief History of Paper: From Recording History to Wrapping Gifts
  4. Wrapping Paper Tradition: Why Do We Wrap Christmas Gifts?
  5. How the global gift wrap market got its start | Packaging Dive
  6. A Conversation With Chris Butler (Waitresses) - Magnet Magazine
  7. Fabulous Flip Sides – The Waitresses – Chris Butler Interview
  8. Interview with Chris Butler of The Waitresses - Rediscover the 80s
  9. A Christmas Record - Release group by - MusicBrainz
  10. The ZE Christmas Record - Various Artists
  11. Classic Album Review: ZE Records Skips Holly and Jolly on A ...
  12. A Christmas Record by Various Artists - Rate Your Music
  13. Various - A Christmas Record
  14. Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - New Directions In Music
  15. A Snapshot of New York - Berkshire Magazine
  16. Sad Season: Ze Records' Christmas Album, 40 Years On | The Quietus
  17. 'Christmas Wrapping,' an unlikely hit for The Waitresses, spreads ...
  18. Christmas Wrapping: The Waitresses on how they made a festive ...
  19. Couldn't Miss This One: Behind 'Christmas Wrapping' - NPR
  20. Christmas Rappin' by Kurtis Blow - Songfacts
  21. How The Waitresses turned 'Christmas Wrapping' into a holiday ...
  22. The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping Lyrics - Genius
  23. Chris Butler of The Waitresses : Songwriter Interviews - Songfacts
  24. Lyrics for Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - Songfacts
  25. Key & BPM for Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - Tunebat
  26. Christmas Wrapping / Hangover by The Waitresses - Rate Your Music
  27. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0059983
  28. BPM and key for Christmas Wrapping - Single Edit by The Waitresses
  29. Bass Transcription: Tracy Wormworth's Bass Line on “Christmas ...
  30. Funkiest Christmas Bass Riff EVER! (Christmas Wrapping - tabs ...
  31. Throw out the Christmas Wrapping - Birds on Sticks
  32. Various - A Christmas Record
  33. https://www.discogs.com/release/883490-The-Waitresses-Charlelie-Couture-Christmas-Wrapping
  34. Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses (Single - Rate Your Music
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/969768-The-Waitresses-Christmas-Wrapping
  36. The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping (Music Video) - YouTube
  37. https://www.wolfgangs.com/music/the-waitresses/audio/20052595-7947.html
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/4049301-The-Waitresses-Christmas-Wrapping
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/402631-The-Waitresses-The-Best-Of-The-Waitresses
  40. Christmas Wrapping - song and lyrics by The Waitresses - Spotify
  41. 7 Christmas One-Hit Wonders: Iconic and Festive Earworms - SiriusXM
  42. Christmas Wrapping (Long Version) | The Benevolent Remaster 2024
  43. The Best Holiday Song From Each of the Last 50 Years: Critic's Take
  44. CHRISTMAS WRAPPING – WAITRESSES - Official Charts
  45. The 100 Best Christmas Songs of All Time: Staff List - Billboard
  46. Christmas Wrapping: The 'anti-Christmas' song that's become ... - BBC
  47. The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping - Spotify Chart History
  48. The Waitresses (Canadian iTunes Music Chart ... - iTunesCharts.net
  49. 2024 BPI Certifications - Page 30 - UK Charts - BuzzJack Music Forum
  50. The Waitresses - Apple Music
  51. The Waitresses - Spotify Top Songs - Kworb.net
  52. Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses - AllMusic
  53. the greatness of the waitresses' "christmas wrapping"
  54. The 50 Best Holiday Songs of All Time
  55. 40 Essential Christmas Albums - Rolling Stone
  56. Christmas Wrapping / Hangover by The Waitresses - Rate Your Music
  57. 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special': Songs James Gunn ...
  58. Family Switch Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When It Plays
  59. Christmas with the Campbells Soundtrack (2022) | List of Songs
  60. Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - Songfacts
  61. Christmas Wrapping - Radio Edit - song and lyrics by The Waitresses
  62. The Waitresses Christmas Wrapping Dance - TikTok
  63. Christmas music is in the air. Here's how to listen - Asbury Park Press
  64. Performance: Christmas Wrapping by Spice Girls | SecondHandSongs
  65. Iggy Pop and James Corden to appear on Kylie's Christmas album
  66. “Christmas Wrapping”: Cover Songs Uncovered
  67. Glee Cast – Christmas Wrapping Lyrics - Genius
  68. Christmas Wrapping (Cover) - The Cringe & Friends - YouTube
  69. Covers of Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - WhoSampled
  70. https://www.discogs.com/release/1155789-The-Waitresses-Christmas-Wrapping
  71. The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping (Xtendamix Lyric Video)
  72. The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping Samples | Genius
  73. Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses (Michael Swaggerson Remix ...
  74. Christmas Wrapping (Dirty Disco Holiday Remix) - YouTube
  75. Various - A Christmas Record
  76. https://www.discogs.com/release/1291080-The-Waitresses-Christmas-Wrapping
  77. The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
  78. Christmas Wrapping - song and lyrics by The Waitresses - Spotify
  79. https://www.discogs.com/release/10114869-The-Waitresses-Christmas-Wrapping
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