Olivia Rodrigo’s first holiday single, “Take Me Home (4 Christmas),” has received an enthusiastic endorsement from Chris Butler, who wrote the Waitresses’ 1981 Christmas favorite “Christmas Wrapping.” After Rodrigo’s song arrived late Thursday night, Butler praised it publicly and revealed that she had contacted him about it roughly two months earlier.
The Christmas rock track prompted some listeners to draw connections with the playful, upbeat romantic spirit of “Christmas Wrapping.” Although the songs have no notable similarities in their composition or lyrics, some social media users suggested they sounded too much alike. Butler rejected that criticism, writing that the shared feeling did not amount to plagiarism.
On Facebook, Butler predicted strong prospects for Rodrigo’s release, suggesting it might even compete for the Christmas No. 1 spot in the United Kingdom. He welcomed the resemblance in atmosphere to his own song and thanked Rodrigo for reaching out. Responding to a commenter, he wrote: “The vibe is there, but no plagiarism.”
Butler, 77, said he initially suspected the email from Rodrigo was fake. He had not heard of her when the message arrived, despite its enthusiastic comments about the Waitresses and invitation to hear a Christmas song she had written. After researching her career, he replied with appreciation, though he still questioned whether he was actually corresponding with the singer.
In that reply, Butler praised her music, arrangements and lyrics, along with her commitment to being recognized as a songwriter. He also expressed admiration for the women in her band and for recordings that sounded to him like musicians were playing together. He told Rodrigo he would be honored to hear the holiday track.
An invitation to her Daisy Chain Festival in Los Angeles came with too little notice for Butler and Beth to attend. A representative at Rodrigo’s label subsequently contacted him as her tour reached Columbus, repeatedly conveying that Rodrigo wanted to meet him. Butler said he and Beth met her after a performance lasting more than two hours and described the encounter warmly.
Butler continued his public support after the BBC reported on his Facebook post. He again praised Rodrigo’s approach and expressed hope that the single would become a major success.
Written entirely by Butler and sung by Waitresses frontwoman Patty Donahue, “Christmas Wrapping” initially attracted a cult following. It was less prominent than the band’s “I Know What Boys Like” and its theme for “Square Pegs.” Over the years, it became a Christmas playlist staple alongside songs such as Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” The Waitresses split later in the 1980s, and Donahue died of lung cancer in 1996.
