Lake says that he does believe in Father Christmas (known in America as Santa Claus), and said of the holiday and his inspiration for the song: "For me as a child, it was the visual image of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. It was the symbol of generosity and feeling good and all those things. And that's what I think Christmas is all about."
Lake was the lead singer and guitarist for Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The group rarely released singles, and cracked the UK Top 40 just once, with "Fanfare for the Common Man" in 1977. Like "I Believe In Father Christmas," that song also made it to #2.
The part at the end is based on "Lieutenant Kije Suite" by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Keith Emerson, who assisted on the track with Lake, Carl Palmer and lyricist Pete Sinfield, came up with the idea to use it. Lake said: "I wrote the original theme and melody for the Christmas song and collaborated with Pete Sinfield writing the lyrics. Keith really took care of the arrangement by adding the Prokofiev and I produced the record adding orchestra and choir."
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