Christmas Wrapping
Bah Humbug, now 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
Calendar picture, frozen landscape
Chill this room for twenty-four days
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!
Flash back to spring time saw him again
Would have 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 ’till 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
Of course I am excited
Tonight’s the night I’ve set my mind
Not to do too much about it
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
Hardly dashing through the snow
‘Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-dos
A few cards, a few calls, because it’s RSVP
No, thanks, no party lights
It’s Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turn 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
A&P has provided me
With the world’s smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot
So on with the boots back out in the snow
To the only all night grocery
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I’ve been chasing all year
‘Spending this one alone, ‘ he said
‘Need 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 laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic’s brought this tale
To a very happy ending
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
Couldn’t miss this one this year
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
Couldn’t miss this one this year
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
Couldn’t miss this one this year
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol Christmas Wrapping
“Christmas Wrapping” is a Christmas song by the American new wave band The Waitresses, written and produced by Chris Butler. It was first released in 1981 on the compilation album A Christmas Record and later appeared on the band’s I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts EP. Lead vocalist Patty Donahue gives the song its distinctive spoken-sung delivery, which fits the band’s energetic new wave style.
The song tells a story rather than simply listing traditional Christmas images. The narrator looks back over a frustrating year and describes trying to avoid the usual holiday expectations. As the story develops, an unexpected romantic connection changes the meaning of Christmas. The song’s conversational approach makes it feel like a personal account of the season rather than a conventional holiday celebration.
Its unusual rhythm, quick vocal phrasing and new wave arrangement give “Christmas Wrapping” a sound that remains distinctive among Christmas songs. The title itself plays on the idea of wrapping gifts while also suggesting the wrapping up of the year. Its mixture of humor, everyday details and romance has helped it become a recurring alternative Christmas favorite.
