“Christmas Wrapping” Songwriter Is A Huge Olivia Rodrigo Fan And Says Her New Single Is An “Homage,” Not A Ripoff

Olivia Rodrigo ventured into holiday music with the release of her first Christmas single, "take me home (4 christmas)," on November 5. Despite instant comparisons to the 1981 new wave classic "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses, the song’s original songwriter, Christopher Butler, has publicly endorsed Rodrigo’s track as a respectful nod rather than a case of plagiarism.

Butler, who is credited for writing "Christmas Wrapping," revealed that Rodrigo had proactively reached out to him prior to her song’s release. According to a detailed account shared on Facebook and later corroborated on YouTube, Rodrigo contacted Butler around two months before unveiling her holiday tune, inviting him to listen to the track. Initially skeptical of the authenticity of the message, Butler conducted research before confirming her identity and expressed admiration for her songwriting approach and the sincerity of her musical style.

The interaction between the two artists extended beyond digital correspondence. Butler and his partner Beth attended one of Rodrigo’s Unraveled Tour shows in Columbus, Ohio, where Rodrigo had requested to meet them. Butler noted paying for the tickets himself, emphasizing his respect for fellow musicians. This meeting came as part of a larger exchange that underscored mutual appreciation rather than conflict.

Addressing the swirling allegations of plagiarism, Butler clarified that although the vibe of Rodrigo’s song echoes elements of "Christmas Wrapping," the musical components such as melody and chord progressions do not infringe on his original work. He distinguished Rodrigo’s track from other controversial cases, notably Gwen Stefani’s 2022 Christmas song "Shake The Snow Globe," which he alleges contains clear borrowings from The Waitresses’ hit.

Butler also revealed that Rodrigo and her team had likely sought legal advice before releasing "take me home (4 christmas)" to ensure no infringement issues would arise. He is currently involved in a separate legal matter concerning an actual copyright violation of "Christmas Wrapping," further reinforcing his informed perspective on the matter.

Beyond the legal and creative discussions, Butler expressed genuine fandom for Rodrigo’s artistry. He commended her lyrical depth, her insistence on songwriting credit, and the presence of women in her band. As a member of the Gen X demographic, Butler acknowledged the broad respect Rodrigo commands across generations for her honest, insightful, and engaging music.

In addition to the Christmas single, Rodrigo has a B-side titled "miss this christmas," described as a melancholic counterpart to her festive release. This track remains accessible only on vinyl and cassette formats, adding a layer of exclusivity and emotional complexity to her holiday offerings.

On a lighter note, Butler’s public comments included a playful jab involving Taylor Swift, highlighting the competitive and evolving nature of pop stardom. This banter underscores the ongoing dynamics within the contemporary music landscape but does not detract from Butler’s overall supportive stance towards Rodrigo.

The episode surrounding "take me home (4 christmas)" exemplifies a respectful intergenerational dialogue within the music industry, where homage and influence are acknowledged openly. Rodrigo’s proactive communication and Butler’s gracious responses illustrate a collaborative spirit that contrasts with the often adversarial nature of copyright disputes.

As holiday music continues to attract new interpretations and generations of listeners, this case may serve as a model for how artists can navigate influence and originality with transparency and mutual respect. Details about any further collaborations or official credits related to Rodrigo’s Christmas music remain limited at this time.