3 One-Hit Wonder Christmas Songs That Were Gifts for the Singers and Us

It’s hard to write a hit song. It can be even harder to write a hit Christmas song as there are so many offerings to sort through. But when an artist is able to do that, he or she has provided a gift for both themselves and the listeners.

Here below, we wanted to explore three one-hit wonder Christmas songs that have not only stood the test of time but that have been mainstays on record players, radio stations, and streaming services ever since their release. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonder Christmas songs that remain gifts for both the singers and us.

[RELATED: 3 Classic Rock Christmas Songs that Go Hard]

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms (1957)

While Helms has two other songs that appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, this was his only Top-10 hit song (the other two hit No. 75 and No. 60). Performing over an electric rockabilly-esque guitar and some jingle bells, Helms sings about the holiday season and rock music. He goes through a litany of lovely things about the season from chiming bells to snow to dancing in town in the frosty air. Indeed, on this track, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, Helms sings,

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air

“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt from Eartha Kitt (1953)

Released on her self-titled EP in 1953, this song from actress-turned-singer Eartha Kitt hit No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release. Singing with her unique flirtatious voice, Kitt, who is known for playing Catwoman on the Batman television show in the 1960s, goes through a number of things she hopes Santa will bring her, from fur coats to yachts to a home. But one gets the idea that she will get it all. Who could say no to her? On the tune, Kitt sings,

Santa baby, just slip a Sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, a ’54 convertible too, light blue
I’ll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I’ve missed
Think of all the fella’s that I haven’t kissed
Next year I could be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list

“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses from A Christmas Record (1981)

This song by the Akron, Ohio-born group The Waitresses hit No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart as well as a number of other spots on various Billboard rock and holiday charts. On the lively tune, which was released on the 1981 compilation album A Christmas Record, the group sings about the busy times that are the holiday season. Who can’t relate to that? Indeed, on the track, The Waitresses sing about their to-do list during the time of year,

“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

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