It Was A...(Masked Christmas)

### Songwriter(s)

Myles William, Rami, ALDAE, Ido Zmishlany, Jimmy Fallon, Megan Thee Stallion & Ariana Grande

## Music Video

"**It Was A...(Masked Christmas)**" is a holiday-themed collaboration by Jimmy Fallon, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, and Ariana Grande. It premiered on the *The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon* on December 7, 2021. The song was written by Myles William, Rami, ALDAE & Ido Zmishlany and produced by William and Zmishlany.

## Background

Fallon announced the release of the song on December 6, 2021 via social media. The track serves as a reminder for listeners to get their booster shots and follow COVID safety protocols during the holidays. Megan comes in with some particularly funny lines, rapping, “Put Purell on everything/turkey, eggnog, candy cane!” Fallon and Grande go skiing by hitting the slopes, and even have a socially distance love connection moment. Before premiering the song, Fallon stated “It’s basically about, like, how last year [referring to 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic] was just rough on everybody,” “And you know, I just wanted to say it’s going to get better. It really is going to get better, trust me.”

Prior to the song's premiere, Grande tweeted "the most fun ever. love you !!! both [referring to Stallion and Fallon] so much @theestallion."

### Cover art

The song's cover art features three animated characters that represent Grande, Fallon, and Megan respecitively. In the image, the characters are holding hands while wearing masks and cristmas-themed clothing.

## Critical reception

In their review of the song, *Entertainment Tonight* stated "It Was a (Masked Christmas)" brings all the retro ho-ho-holiday charm of a "Last Christmas," very Wham! featuring George Michael vibes." Pop culture webite "Lainey Gossip" compares the song to an *Saturday Night Live* skit: "The music video is pure *SNL* – the dramatic lip-synching, over-acting, awkward dance breaks, and hilarious visuals are all *SNL* signatures, and of course *SNL* is known for holiday music parodies. And like so many *SNL* skit songs, it’s actually pretty catchy, Jimmy’s vocals work well with Ariana’s. Before its world premiere on his show, Jimmy spoke about how it was supposed to be comedic, but ended up being something he’s proud of. He even had a little bit of a fanboy moment over the fact that Ariana and Meg were down to record it with him."

## Music Video

The music video for “It Was a … (Masked Christmas)” premiered on *The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.* It is directed by Dan Opsal. The music video opens with Stallion saying, “Y’all know what time it is. It’s time to get those boosters.” From there, Fallon and Grande appear doing cozy seasonal activities like wearing sweaters in front of a fireplace and skiing, as they sing the chorus: “It was a masked Christmas, we stayed in the house / We covered our nose, and covered our mouth / But it’s Christmas time / We’ll be in line for the booster.” In the music video, Ariana and Jimmy are seen wearing a pair of '80s-inspired snowsuits — Ari in white, Jimmy in purple. Megan, who first appeared in the video in a nurse uniform and syringe nails, later joined in on the outerwear trend with her own snowsuit, a more classic, tight black-and-white number. Jimmy and Ariana also wore a cozier set of outfits throughout the video. The talk show host appeared in an oversize cable-knit sweater and tan slacks, complementing Ari's off-the-shoulder sweater dress and little Moncler vest, which she paired with a furry beret, heart-shaped purse, and knee-high lace-up boots with pom-poms.

## Trivia

* It Was A…” is not the first collaboration between Fallon and Megan Thee Stallion; in 2019, they teamed up for a *Tonight Show* sketch declaring “Hot Girl Fall,” celebrating pumpkin beer and cable knit sweaters.
* This marks Grande's second collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, the first being the 34+35 remix.

## References

1. ↑ Jimmy Fallon Boosts His Christmas Single With Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion - *Vulture*
2. ↑ It Was A… (Masked Christmas) - Genius
3. ↑ Guys. I can’t believe I’m typing this but - I’m dropping a new single and video tonight with @ArianaGrande and @theestallion. Midnight EST. Pre-save: ​​http://jimmyfallon.lnk.to/itwasamaskedxmas… #ItWasAMaskedChristmas
4. ↑ *HypeBeast* — Jimmy Fallon, Megan Thee Stallion and Ariana Grande Drop New Christmas Music Video
5. ↑ *Complex* — Jimmy Fallon Teams With Megan Thee Stallion and Ariana Grande New Song and Video “It Was A…(Masked Christmas)”
6. ↑ Twitter @arianagrande - the most fun ever. love you !!! both so much
@theestallion
7. ↑ *Entertainment Tonight*: Jimmy Fallon decks the halls — safely — with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion on 'Masked Christmas'
8. ↑ *Lainey Gossip* — Ariana, Meg, and... Jimmy?
9. ↑ *Decider* — Jimmy Fallon’s “Masked Christmas” Song With Megan Thee Stallion and Ariana Grande Is Your New Holiday Bop
10. ↑ Yep, Ariana Grande Sure Wore Heels With Her Snowsuit For Her New Christmas Collab - PopSugar
11. ↑ *Deadline* — Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion Share Video for New Christmas Song: Watch

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