I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Twisted Sister - A Twisted Christmas (2006) Lyrics

The Twisted Sister's song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is a Christmas-themed tune that tells the story of a child who witnesses his mother kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe on Christmas Eve. The song begins with the child recounting how he snuck down the stairs to see what was going on, and how he saw his mother and Santa together. The child then goes on to describe how his mother playfully tickled Santa Claus underneath his beard and how if his dad had seen it, he would have laughed.

On the surface, this song may seem like a lighthearted and jovial tune about the holiday season, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper story about the loss of innocence and the complicated dynamics of family relationships, especially during the holiday season. The child in the song loves and trusts his parents, but the discovery that his mom is cheating on his dad with someone as revered as Santa Claus can be a shock to his system. The child's innocent worldview shatters, and he is left wondering what other secrets his parents are keeping from him.

Despite its controversial lyrics, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" has become a beloved classic that is played every year during the Christmas season. It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Jackson 5 and John Mellencamp. Interestingly, some radio stations initially banned the song upon its release in 1952, citing that it promoted adultery and was damaging to children's beliefs in Santa Claus. However, the song was ultimately embraced by the public and has endured as a Christmas favorite.