Chris Rea Driving Home For Christmas (1986) May 2026

: In December 1978, Chris Rea was at a low ebb in his career. His record contract was ending, his manager was leaving, and he was banned from driving.

The song was born from a moment of personal hardship rather than a desire to write a "hit". Chris Rea Driving Home For Christmas (1986)

: On the snowy journey back, the couple became trapped in heavy traffic near Nottingham. Rea observed the "miserable" faces of fellow motorists and jokingly began singing, "We're driving home for Christmas". He scribbled the lyrics on scraps of paper whenever streetlights illuminated the car’s interior. Composition and Delayed Success : In December 1978, Chris Rea was at a low ebb in his career

Despite being written in 1978, the song remained in a drawer for years before its eventual release. : In December 1978