How a 1969 billboard campaign became a permanent fixture of the Christmas season

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: John Lennon and Yoko Ono wanted to spread peace through personal responsibility, not just sentimentality. Their 1971 protest song, Happy Xmas (War Is Over), was designed to deliver a political message with a little honey. It evolved from a global billboard project into a holiday standard that still resonates today.

The song originated from a 1969 international campaign where Lennon and Ono rented billboard space in 12 major cities to display the message: War Is Over! If You Want It. This followed their high-profile bed-ins earlier that year. Lennon intended the 1971 track to extend these themes of social unity, specifically aiming to avoid the cloying sentimentality he felt defined many traditional Christmas songs.

Recording sessions in October 1971 were marked by a blend of deliberate influences and logistical hurdles. Lennon worked with producer Phil Spector, who noted rhythmic similarities to the Paris Sisters' 1961 single I Love How You Love Me. The track also borrowed mandolin-style riffs from Ronnie Spector's Try Some, Buy Some and structural elements from the traditional ballad Skewball. The iconic backing vocals were provided by the Harlem Community Choir, a group of 30 children aged four to twelve.

Despite its status as a classic, the song's commercial journey was uneven. A dispute over publishing rights delayed its UK release until November 1972, while its 1971 US debut suffered from limited promotion and a late release date. However, it found enduring success, re-entering the UK charts nine times, most notably reaching number two following Lennon's murder in 1980. Its legacy continues through a vast array of covers, from Sarah McLachlan's 2006 Grammy-nominated version to performances by Miley Cyrus and John Legend.

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