I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Album: Ultimate Christmas Album (1953)
Charted: 3 1
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Songfacts®:

  • Boyd was only 13 years old when he recorded this song. Mitch Miller at Columbia Records had him record the song, which was written by Tommie Connor. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • When this was released in 1953, some people thought it was a little too risqué, the thought of a married woman, possibly having an affair. A closer listen implies that Santa Claus is actually the child's father, but this didn't stop radio stations in some cities, including Boston, from banning it when it came out. Columbia Records appealed to the Council of Churches to clear the song where it was banned, sending young Jimmy Boyd to plea with them personally. The tactic worked, and it became a Christmas favorite. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jeff - Boston, MA
  • Boyd died on March 7, 2009 at age 70. With Frankie Laine, he had a hit in 1953 with "Tell Me A Story," and then moved on to acting, where he appeared in the movie Inherit The Wind and the TV show, Bachelor Father. In the early '60s, he was married for 2 years to Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl on TV.
  • The record label gifted horse lover Boyd a silver-mounted saddle bearing the inscription, "Presented by Columbia Records to Jimmy Boyd commemorating his 3,000,000 record of 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.'"
  • "I like it personally," Boyd told Time magazine of the song in 1952, "but I didn't think anyone would buy it."
  • Several artists have added the novelty tune to their Christmas repertoire, including the Ronettes, Andy Williams, The Jackson Five, John Mellencamp, Jessica Simpson, and Amy Winehouse. The Jackson Five's version entered the Hot 100 for the first time on the chart dated January 6, 2024, at #43.
  • British songwriter Tommie Connor also penned "The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot." Popularized by Vera Lynn, it was used in the opening scene of the film Pink Floyd - The Wall.
  • Teresa Brewer's 1953 rendition was used on the 2010 Mad Men episode "Christmas Comes But Once A Year." An R&B version from The Platters was used on the TV series Aquarius in the 2015 episode "Why?"
  • Jane Krakowski performed this on Ally McBeal in the 1997 episode "Silver Bells."
  • Christmas with the Kranks, starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, features a version by Eddie Dunstedter.
  • Kissing under the mistletoe remains a popular cliché in holiday songs, even though most people have never seen the plant in real life. The Christmas custom has roots in many cultures, from ancient Greeks to Anglo-Saxons who performed the ritual to honor their gods. The practice took off in Victorian England when servants hung the festive greenery at Christmastime in hopes of snagging a mate. All variations seem to agree that refusing a kiss under the mistletoe welcomes bad luck.

    Other holiday tunes that mention the plant include Cliff Richard's "Mistletoe And Wine, Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe," and Kelly Clarkson's "Under The Mistletoe."

Comments: 25

  • Sharon from San Fernando ValleyI think I might have been 6 months or a year ahead of Jimmy Boyd at Van Nuys High School. I graduated with the class of The Avalon’s, Summer, 1956. I remember Jimmy very well. During the period between approximately 1954 - 1956, we also had other well-known kids as students at Van Nuys High School. I remember Natalie Wood, Don Drysdale, Diane Baker. I think Robert Redford May have graduated a little ahead of me. There were more, however, I cannot recall the names.
    Sharon
  • Terri from Cape May County, Nj, NjI heard this (Jimmy Boyd) version (I believe it's the original version) on my way home from work tonight and was so excited! I cannot remember the last time I heard it. My dad used to sing this song to me when I was a little girl, and it is still one of my favorite memories. This is the version that I remember hearing on the radio back then, and they never play this one ... although there are many more recent versions, none of them can compare to this one and the memories it brings back.
  • Bob from Los Angeles, CaI knew Jimmy at Van Nuys High School and took a ride in his new T-Bird. Really nice guy. Greetings from Tom and Pete and Piggy. I would love to know where he is now. Bob in Studio City
  • Julie from Oundle, EnglandI listened to this song over and over when I was a child i just adore it and the memories it evokes. Does anyone remember the B side? I think it was A Little Train A Chugging In My Heart. I would love to be able to but it.
    julie, oundle, uk
  • James from La, CaDon from Las Vegas,
    I too knew Jimmys brother back then and I live in Las Vegas.
    Are u originally from Oklahoma? Are your initials D.C.? If so I think we met then.
    Email me fastlaneltd@hotmail.com
  • Don from Las Vegas, NvI was/am a personal friend of Jimmy, his brother and mom and dad. I hope he is still alive. I am two years older than he. I met him in 1955 and spent many days and nights at his home in Sepulveda. I am, and was then, a pilot and we made many flights together in small general aviation airplanes. I have lost track of him and can't even locate him through the Screen Actor's Guild. I worked for KTLA in 1955 and my most memorable experience was running around with him in his 1955 green Thunderbird. We hung out frequently at Bob's Big Boy in Van Nuys. I spent a lot of time with him at Hollywood Professional School.Thanks Jimmy, for your friendship, and close and personal regards. I would love to meet Devon someday. He has good genes.
    Captain D, Las Vegas, NV,
  • James from La, CaI just found by googling Jimmy Boyd and clicking on a Jimmy Boyd cd link the new release by SonyBMI is called "The Best Of Jimmy Boyd" (not greatest hits).
  • James from La, CaI Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus along with Tell Me a Story w/Frankie Laine, Dennis the Menace w/ Rosemary Clooney and more including remixes of his first releases back to 1950 have all been re-released in 2007 on a greatest hits album by Sony BMI who bought Columbia records. His first hit was in country music called God's Little Candles. It's included. I read an article that Kris Kristopherson introduced himself to Jimmy and told him he had borrowed the chorus of that song in writing one of his songs. Quite a compliment. Jimmy was quoted as saying that was one of his most memorable moments because he so admired Kris.
  • Caitlin from Upper Township, NjJackson 5 did a version of this.; i love this song! its my all-time favorite christmas song!
  • Arthur from Sydney, AustraliaAnn, usually artists record a year or months earlier before distribution.
  • Ann from Austin, TxI just bought a CD titled The Best of Jimmy Boyd and it has all of his major hits on it. The liner notes state that I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause was recorded on 7/15/52. I'd just like to know what happened to Jimmy Boyd.
    Ann, Austin, TX
  • Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumStefanie, the version of The Ronettes is very good, if you're a Phil Spector's fan don't hesitate to buy his Christmas cd.
  • Robert Neitzke from Omaha, NeI was born because Santa Claus was my Dad in 1953
    and also I thought tell me a story was cute and I try it out on my Dad and I got whopped good
    Back then kid got hit and good Too!
    Their was no naughty chair.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI've heard the song, but I don't think I've heard this version.
  • Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumNever heard this one, I know a version of the Ronettes that you can find on Phil Spector's
    "A Christmas gift for you from Phil Spector".
    It's very top, very original, if you are a Phil Spector's fan, you surely will love it.
  • Scott from St. Louis, MoI always sing "She did not see me creep downstairs to take a leak."
  • Sheila from Edmonton, CanadaWhen I was a kid we had a 45 with the songs Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney and I Said a Prayer For Santa Claus. Both were by Jimmy Boyd. I would love to get the sheet music or at least be able to download the songs. Can anyone help?
  • Robert from Vancouver, WaI also listened to Tell Me A Story and Lets Go Fishing as a young boy. My 4 daughters listened to me "sing" it (I can't carry a tune in a bucket)now I have a 6 year old son (adopted) who I would love to enjoy as I did. If anyone has these songs please let me know. Thanks
  • Scott from St. Louis, MoJohn Cougar Mellencamp does a great version of this.
  • Howard from St. Louis Park, MnJimmy Boyd also recorded a song with one of the longest titles ever. I remember hearing it years ago on The Dr. Demento Show and the exact title was "I've Got Those Wake Up Seven Thirty Wash Your Ears Their Dirty Eat Your Eggs and Oatmeal Rush to School Blues." I also remmeber the Four Seasons verion of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and a parody by comedian Kip Addotta titled I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus, It was very funny.
  • Roy from Wesley Chapel, FlI have the song by Frankie Laine & Jimmy Boyd "Tell Me A Story". If That Person wants it have them to contact me on my e-mail address.
  • Fred from Vienna, GaThis song is very special to me. My older sister had the original Columbia 78 of Jimmy Boyd singing it and it is one of the first Christmas songs I can remember ever hearing when I was a kid. I finally got a copy of this old 78 last year. It is a special Christmas memory for me.
  • Doug from Los Angeles, CaDID YOU FIND THIS SONG? I know Jimmy Boyd. Actually, his son Devon is my roommate. Haha. I could ask Jimmy the next time he comes over. He is a real nice man.
  • Cindi from Bangor, Mei am trying to find the song Tell me a story,sung by Jimmy boyd and Frankie Lane. Can any one help me. This song was part of my childhood and I would like to share it with my grandson. PLEASE HELP. Thanks so much
  • Sweety from Winnipeg, Canadathis song is very cute
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