John_lennon_so_this_is_christmas Apr 2026

While it didn't chart immediately in the U.S. upon release, it reached number four in the UK in 1972. Following Lennon's death in 1980, it was re-released and peaked at number two in the UK. Today, it remains one of the most covered and beloved holiday songs, frequently appearing in polls as a seasonal favorite .

: Lennon wrote and demoed the song on an acoustic guitar in his New York hotel room in October 1971. It was produced by Phil Spector at Record Plant Studios and features backing vocals from the Harlem Community Choir .

The lyrics serve as both a call to action and a moment of personal reflection: john_lennon_so_this_is_christmas

: The recurring refrain "War is over, if you want it" emphasizes Lennon’s belief that peace is an active choice that can be achieved if enough people desire it.

: The song explicitly calls for peace across racial and socioeconomic lines ("For black and for white / For yellow and red ones"). While it didn't chart immediately in the U

: By asking, "And what have we done?", Lennon encourages listeners to take inventory of their past year and personal contributions to the world.

John Lennon 's holiday classic, officially titled "," was released in the U.S. in December 1971. Originally written as a protest song against the Vietnam War, it has since evolved into a global Christmas standard. The Story Behind the Song Today, it remains one of the most covered

: The song's core message stemmed from a 1969 multimedia peace campaign by Lennon and Yoko Ono. They rented billboards in 12 major cities that read: " WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko ".