Wonderful Christmastime

"Wonderful Christmastime" was written and recorded by Paul McCartney in 1979, shortly after the release of Wings' "Back to the Egg" album. McCartney recorded the song almost entirely by himself at his home studio in Sussex, playing synthesizers, bass, and vocals. The prominent synth line — a Moog-driven arpeggio that dominates the track — was unusual for a Christmas song and gave it a distinctly modern, New Wave feel.

The song has become one of the most polarizing Christmas songs in history. Critics and certain segments of the public find its repetitive chorus and synth-heavy production grating, while others adore its unpretentious simplicity and pure holiday cheer. Regardless of opinion, the numbers speak: the song earns McCartney an estimated $400,000–600,000 per year in royalties during the holiday season.

McCartney has expressed surprise at the song's endurance, noting he wrote it quickly and casually. Its annual radio airplay, streaming numbers, and ubiquitous presence in shops and restaurants have made it one of the most commercially successful Christmas songs of the past 50 years — loved or loathed, it is inescapable every December.