Ep. 288: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 15 December 2025

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled down in a taxi on the way to the studio. With Patty Donahue’s cool, talk-sing delivery and a groove that blended sarcasm with sincerity, the track perfectly captured the chaotic mix of exhaustion and joy that defines the season. Though it was only a modest hit at first, “Christmas Wrapping” has since become a perennial favorite, standing tall among the countless festive tunes that come and go each year. In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios unpack what makes this unlikely holiday anthem continue to resonate more than four decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:10.3	Hey, everyone.
0:11.6	Today is our third Christmas holiday theme song of the month, and Chris Fafalius and I break
0:16.2	down the writing, recording, and lyrical interpretation of the Waitresses' fan favorite single,
0:22.1	Christmas rapping, taken from their 1982 EP, I could rule the world if I could only get the
0:28.1	parts.
0:29.5	The song was written and produced by guitarist Chris Butler and was put together using a bunch of
0:34.5	unused riffs that he had lying around. Everything about the tune is quirky, spontaneous, and off the cuff, especially the vocal
0:42.6	delivery of lead vocalist Patty Donahue.
0:45.3	It's very new wave, but interesting, and that the song is named Christmas Rapping, because
0:50.7	the vocals have a rap quality to them.
0:53.2	And there's a ton of lyrics that tell a story of a not-so-great time,
0:57.5	with a twist, because the very end of the song ushers in a ray of light,
1:02.4	a certainty that all will be well.
1:05.5	That, in and of itself, is what the holiday spirit is all about.
1:10.3	So stick around for all this and more.
1:14.5	Hey, hey, have you heard Christa makes a podcast? Hey, hey, have you heard? Christa makes a podcast.
1:25.0	Hey, hey, have you heard?
1:29.4	Christa makes a podcast.
1:32.4	Hey, hey, have you heard?
1:34.7	Christa makes a podcast.
1:38.4	Well, Chris, I think we broke the mold here.
	...

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