Olivia Rodrigo’s Christmas Single Receives Praise from Waitresses’ ‘Christmas Wrapping’ Writer
Olivia Rodrigo released her first holiday single, "Take Me Home (4 Christmas)", on 2026‑11‑06.
In Brief
- •Olivia Rodrigo released her first holiday single, "Take Me Home (4 Christmas)", on 2026‑11‑06.
- •Chris Butler, the writer of the 1981 Waitresses hit "Christmas Wrapping", praised the new track as a potential smash and compared its upbeat vibe to his classic.
- •Butler had received a sneak peek two months earlier and had not known Rodrigo before contacting her.
- •He publicly refuted claims of plagiarism, noting the songs share spirit but not composition.
- •The song is described as a Christmas rock banger with a spry, irreverently romantic feel.
Why It Matters
Olivia Rodrigo’s entry into holiday music marks a significant expansion of her catalog and could influence year‑end charts, especially in the UK where the Christmas number one race is highly competitive. Praise from a respected songwriter like Chris Butler lends the track credibility across generations, highlighting how contemporary pop can draw on legacy sounds while forging new directions. The collaboration underscores the ongoing dialogue between past and present holiday music traditions, potentially shaping listeners’ playlists and industry expectations for future seasonal releases.
Key Details
- Release Date
- 2026-11-06
- Song Title
- Take Me Home (4 Christmas)
- Artist
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Praise Source
- Chris Butler
- Song Genre
- Christmas rock
- Potential Chart Impact
- UK Christmas #1 contender
Context & Background
The Waitresses’ 1981 hit "Christmas Wrapping" has long been a cult favorite, gaining renewed attention in recent years as a staple on holiday playlists. Chris Butler’s involvement bridges the gap between the 1980s new wave era and today’s pop landscape.
Original Reporting & Sources
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