“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” was written by British songwriter Tommie Connor and became a major Christmas recording after Jimmy Boyd recorded it in 1952. The Jackson 5 later recorded their own version, released by Motown in 1970. The group’s recording features the young Michael Jackson alongside his brothers and became part of their Christmas album. YouTube

The song is told from the perspective of a child who believes he has witnessed his mother kissing Santa Claus. The playful misunderstanding comes from the child not realizing that the person dressed as Santa is actually someone familiar. The story creates a humorous Christmas situation based on childhood imagination, secrecy and the excitement surrounding Santa.

The Jackson 5 version gives the song a lively pop and soul treatment, making it particularly suited to the group’s youthful style. Its Christmas connection is built around Santa, family and the traditions surrounding Christmas Eve. Rather than focusing on the religious meaning of Christmas, the song belongs to the playful side of holiday music, using a child’s perspective to create a lighthearted story that has remained familiar across generations.