10 Fascinating Facts And The Full Lyrics To Kelly Clarkson's 'Underneath The Tree'—The 2025 Holiday Anthem

As of December 2025, Kelly Clarkson’s powerhouse holiday track, "Underneath the Tree," continues its reign as the definitive "new classic" Christmas song. Released over a decade ago on her first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, the song has transcended its initial success to become an annual chart-topper, cementing its place alongside timeless holiday anthems.

This article dives deep into the complete, official lyrics—the heart of the song’s enduring appeal—while revealing the latest, up-to-the-minute details about its impact, including its prominent role in the 2025 holiday season. From its spontaneous creation to its continued chart dominance, here is everything you need to know about the song that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas love.

The Complete Official "Underneath the Tree" Lyrics

The lyrics to "Underneath the Tree," co-written by Kelly Clarkson and her long-time collaborator, producer Greg Kurstin, are a joyful, up-tempo celebration of prioritizing love and togetherness over material gifts. The song’s central message is beautifully simple: the best present is being with the one you love. Below are the full, official lyrics to the track that has been named one of ASCAP's most popular Christmas songs released in the 21st century.

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(Verse 1)
You're here where you should be, snow is falling as the carolers sing
It just wasn't the same, alone on Christmas day
Presents, what a beautiful sight, don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight
You're the only thing that I need, underneath the tree

(Pre-Chorus)
I don't need a lot of things, I can do without the fancy rings
'Cause you're the only thing I wanna see, underneath the Christmas tree
You are the reason for the season, you're the happy to my holiday

(Chorus)
All I need is you here tonight
Underneath the mistletoe
Waiting for you
Christmas lights, all hangin' around
But they shine the brightest when you're around
All I need is you here tonight

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(Verse 2)
Hear the sleigh bells ringing, the sound of the children singing
It's the most beautiful time of the year
But it just doesn't feel right, when you're not standing here
Presents, what a beautiful sight, don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight
You're the only thing that I need, underneath the tree

(Pre-Chorus)
I don't need a lot of things, I can do without the fancy rings
'Cause you're the only thing I wanna see, underneath the Christmas tree
You are the reason for the season, you're the happy to my holiday

(Chorus)
All I need is you here tonight
Underneath the mistletoe
Waiting for you
Christmas lights, all hangin' around
But they shine the brightest when you're around
All I need is you here tonight

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(Bridge)
The fire is raging, the room is getting hot
But I'm getting cold, 'cause you're not here
Please hurry up, I'm waiting for you
I'm waiting for you, to come home

(Chorus)
All I need is you here tonight
Underneath the mistletoe
Waiting for you
Christmas lights, all hangin' around
But they shine the brightest when you're around
All I need is you here tonight

(Outro)
You're the only thing that I need, underneath the tree
You're the only thing that I need, underneath the tree
Merry Christmas, baby
You're the only thing that I need, underneath the tree

The Story Behind the New Classic Holiday Anthem

Released in 2013, "Underneath the Tree" was the lead single from Kelly Clarkson's sixth studio album and first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red. The song was an immediate hit, praised for its nostalgic, Phil Spector-esque "Wall of Sound" production, which gave it a classic, yet fresh, holiday feel.

A Spontaneous Studio Creation

The song's creation story highlights the incredible synergy between Clarkson and Greg Kurstin. According to reports, the song was written spontaneously in the studio while they were waiting for sushi to arrive. This burst of creativity resulted in a track that sounds both meticulously crafted and effortlessly joyful, proving that some of the best holiday music is born from pure, unforced inspiration.

The "Wrapped in Red" Era

The entire Wrapped in Red album, and particularly "Underneath the Tree," was a passion project for Clarkson. She wanted to create a Christmas album that felt authentic and timeless, blending original songs with classic covers. The album also features other notable tracks, including the title track, "Wrapped in Red," and the R&B-influenced "Every Christmas."

The Meaning: Love Over Materialism

The core theme of the "Underneath the Tree" lyrics is the sentiment that love is the greatest gift. Lines like "Presents, what a beautiful sight, don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight" perfectly encapsulate this message, resonating with listeners who value connection over consumerism during the holiday season. This emotional depth is a major factor in the song's enduring appeal, making it a genuine holiday anthem.

Why "Underneath the Tree" is Still Dominating the 2025 Charts

Despite being released in 2013, "Underneath the Tree" has not faded; in fact, its popularity seems to grow every year, solidifying its status as a "New Classic Holiday Song." Its performance in the 2025 holiday season is particularly strong, demonstrating its cultural and commercial power.

ASCAP and Billboard Recognition

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has consistently recognized the track, naming it one of the most-played holiday songs. Its continuous run on the Billboard Holiday Chart is a testament to its staying power, having spent a total of over 60 weeks on the chart since its release.

Kicking Off the 2025 NFL Christmas Gameday

In a major pop culture moment for the 2025 season, Kelly Clarkson is set to kick off the highly anticipated NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix with a performance of "Underneath the Tree." This high-profile placement ensures the song will reach millions of viewers and further boost its streaming and download numbers, demonstrating its cross-genre appeal beyond traditional holiday music channels.

The Modern Holiday Playlist Staple

The song is frequently cited alongside other modern holiday hits like Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" and Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" as a staple of the contemporary Christmas Pop Hits playlist. Its bright, energetic, and optimistic sound makes it a perfect addition to any festive gathering, ensuring it remains at the forefront of holiday listening well into the future.

In conclusion, the "Underneath the Tree" lyrics offer a simple, powerful message of love and connection that continues to resonate with audiences globally. Its combination of timeless production, authentic emotion, and Kelly Clarkson's stellar vocal performance has secured its legacy. As it dominates the charts and major cultural events in 2025, it’s clear that this modern classic will be a fixture of the holiday season for decades to come.