I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus is a classic Christmas song that has been around since 1952. The genre of this recording is Christmas Music. This song is a typical example of Christmas Music because it has to do with Santa Claus and remains to be very popular around Christmas time to this day. The original recording was by Jimmy Boyd on July 15, 1952. But this is a Christmas song with music and lyrics from British songwriter Tommie Connor. (Wikipedia) Tommie Connor had several hit songs over the course of his career, but this was only one of many non-religious Christmas Songs that he wrote. Jimmy Boyd was only 13 years old when he sang this song. It became a hit instantly, selling two and a half million records in its first week release. Boyd was presented with two golden records. The following year at Christmas, this song went back to number one and continues to sell as a Christmas song to this day. Tommie Connor’s most notable song during his career was I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. The lyrics to this song were considered risque due to the fact of a married woman having an affair. But it turns out, the child saw his mom kissing Santa Claus who was actually his dad. Meaning his dad was dressed up as Santa Claus, but of course the little boy didn’t know that at the time. Although this is a holiday classic, this song has caused controversy due to the fact a child caught his mommy kissing Santa Claus, who he didn’t know was actually his dad, so people assumed a child was describing an affair. But, that wasn’t the only thing that caused controversy. According to LATimes, the Catholic Church criticized this song for implying a link between sex and the religious holiday, causing several radio stations in markets to ban it. The ban was lifted after 13 year old Jimmy Boyd discussed with church leaders the actual meaning to his song. I chose this song because I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus has been my favorite Christmas movie for as long as I can remember. Not only did I love the movie, but I always loved the song too. This song brings me back to all my Christmas memories throughout my life which is why I picked this song. This song has been around since 1952, which is 66 years ago! It’s amazing that this song is still as popular as it once was back then. Every year this song is played and loved by many, including myself. The movie as well gives people a better understanding of the true meaning of this song. The title I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus makes one automatically assume that mom is cheating on dad with Santa Claus. But in reality, dad is dressing up as Santa Claus only to surprise mom when the child is sleeping. It just so happens the child heard Santa Claus and what child isn’t gonna go peek when they hear Santa?!?! I find it interesting because watching the movie, I can see why the child wants to get revenge against Santa! But as an adult, I realize it’s just a misunderstanding because the child doesn’t know any better. 

Links

• Wikipedia-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_Mommy_Kissing_Santa_Claus
• La Times-http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jimmy-boyd10-2009mar10-story.html