The Runaways And The Unreleased Holiday Song They Wrote As A Joke

April 2, 2025

It was the late 1970s, and the world was buzzing about new music. But for five girls who called themselves The Runaways, the excitement of rock ‘n’ roll came with its own set of challenges. They were young and talented, defying the norms of a music industry dominated by men. They had their hits, like “Cherry Bomb” and “Hollywood,” but amidst the pressure of tours and recording, they felt the need to unwind and enjoy the lightheartedness of being teenagers. One December evening, while huddled together in their rehearsal space, they decided to write a holiday song—just for fun.

The atmosphere was electric as they brainstormed ideas. They joked about holiday clichés, tossing around silly lyrics that made everyone laugh. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Jingle Bells” suddenly became fodder for their creativity. From this playful banter was born a tune they cheekily titled “Santa’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The lyrics were a comical take on the typical holiday cheer, filled with lines about misadventures with Santa and renegade elves causing chaos. They didn’t plan to release it; it was just a joke that brought them closer together, a moment of joy amidst the whirlwind of their lives.

As the holidays approached, they couldn’t help but share the song with a close circle of friends. The laughter it sparked was infectious, and soon the girls were performing it at small gigs, where fans delighted in its quirky charm. The energy was alive, the kind of magic that made each of them feel invincible. Still, amidst the excitement, they understood that the music industry often pushed them towards a polished, commercial sound. They struggled with this reality—fighting to maintain their identity while attempting to succeed. Yet, here, in this playful creation, they rediscovered their passion and joy for music.

That unreleased holiday song became a symbol of resilience for The Runaways. Even though it never made it onto an album or the radio, the experience reminded them of why they loved music in the first place. As the years passed and the band eventually went their separate ways, that lighthearted spirit lingered in their hearts. Joan Jett became a rock icon, Lita Ford blazed her trail as a solo artist, and the others followed their passions, proving that the spirit of The Runaways lived on in everything they did.

Reflecting back, the girls would talk about that silly holiday song with laughter. It was a reminder that no matter how tough life got, they could always find joy in their art. For them, music wasn’t just about fame or fortune; it was about connection, friendship, and moments of pure, unfiltered creativity. Life would throw challenges their way, from personal struggles to shifts in the musical landscape, but that little holiday tune was a beacon of light that guided them through it all.

Through their journey, The Runaways taught us that sometimes the best memories come from the most unexpected places. Their story is one of empowerment, showing that true artistry lies in authenticity and joy. Even if “Santa’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was just a joke, it represented so much more—an enduring spirit of creativity that could spark inspiration in anyone willing to embrace it.