Christmas Wrapping

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First released on the 1981 compilation A Christmas Record on ZE Records, the song was initially dismissed in some quarters as a Blondie-rip off and met with minimal chart… Read More

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Christmas Wrapping Lyrics

[Verse 1]
"Bah, humbug" no, that's too strong
'Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy
To add to my already mad rush
Just cause it's 'tis the season
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from
Last year, ski shop
Encounter, most interesting
Had his number but never the time
Most of '81 passed along those lines
So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer
I just need to catch my breath
Christmas by myself this year

[Verse 2]
Calendar picture, frozen landscape
Chilled this room for twenty-four days
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with
Flashback to springtime, saw him again
Would've been good to go for lunch
Couldn't agree when we were both free
We tried, we said we'd keep in touch
Didn't, of course, 'til summertime
Out to the beach to his boat, could I join him?
No, this time it was me
Sunburn in the third degree
Now the calendar's just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind
Not to do too much about it

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Chorus]
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
But I think, I'll miss this one this year
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
But I think, I'll miss this one this year
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
But I think, I'll miss this one this year
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
But I think, I'll miss this one this year

[Verse 3]
Hardly dashing through the snow
'Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have to do
A few cards a few calls
'Cause it's "RSVP"
No thanks, no party lights
It's Christmas eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites
Last fall I had a night to myself
Same guy called, Halloween party
Waited all night for him to show
This time his car wouldn't go
Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time

About

First released on the 1981 compilation A Christmas Record on ZE Records, the song was initially dismissed in some quarters as a Blondie-rip off and met with minimal chart success upon release, “Christmas Wrapping” has grown in popularity to the point where it is a regular staple of Christmas compilations on both sides of the Atlantic.

The title has three inter-linked meanings:

• Wrapping as in wrapping paper
• Wrapping as a play on words for rapping, as singer Patty Donahue delivers the verses in the form of a rap
• Wrapping in terms of Donahue ‘wrapping’ her Christmas up by finally meeting up with the guy she has been chasing all year

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What ever happened to the Waitresses? Still getting royalties from this?

The group disbanded in 1984 (two years after this song came out). Their lead singer, Patty Donahue, died in 1996. Chris Butler, the songwriter, is still alive and is, indeed, probably still getting royalties.

Got the lyrics wrong... should be "A&P has pride in me" which was A&Ps ad slogan

I would suggest it is a knowing play-on-words of A&P’s slogan rather than a misheard lyric.

Who produced “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses?

When did The Waitresses release “Christmas Wrapping”?

Who wrote “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses?