What Christmas Song Was Banned By The Catholic Church?

In 1950, Jimmy Boyd released a controversial song titled “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” which faced condemnation from the Roman Catholic Church in Boston. The Church took issue with the song due to its blending of Christmas themes with suggestive elements, raising concerns about its appropriateness for the holiday season. As a result, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” became the subject of scrutiny and debate within the religious community during that time.

In December 1957, a notable incident took place in Portland, Oregon, where radio station KEX decided to ban the beloved holiday song “White Christmas.” The station cited concerns that the song “desecrated the Spirit of Christmas and transgressed the composer’s intent.” Despite this ban, the station’s DJ, Al Priddy, remained undeterred and defiantly played the controversial song on the airwaves. His actions, however, resulted in his termination from the station. This incident raises questions about the reasons behind the ban on “White Christmas” and the consequences faced by those who chose to defy it.