Story Behind The Song

Redstone Passage Christmas: Kicking Christmas Into Gear Music and Lyrics by Joe (Jay) Vetro Copyright 2025 SOCAN/ASCAP About the Song Kicking Christmas Into Gear was born during a unique moment in time. In 2020, while supply teaching at a school in Burlington during the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined a group of staff who had formed a holiday band. We played songs like War Is Over by John Lennon, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and Santa's Back in Town by Elvis -- all virtually, of course. The spark hit during one of those remote performances: what if there was a fun, soulful, island-inspired Christmas anthem of our own? Over the years, the song grew and evolved -- with bits of steel pan, a splash of zydeco accordion, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. Inspired by my brother's track Jamaica Home, I began blending those warm Caribbean rhythms with classic holiday spirit. The result is a joyful, laid-back celebration of island life, tradition, and togetherness during the festive season. Whether you're barefoot by the fire or dancing under palm trees strung with lights, this tune is about gathering, giving, and grooving your way into the holidays -- island style.

Lyrics

Redstone Passage Christmas Demos
Kicking Christmas Into Gear
Music and Lyrics by Joe (Jay) Vetro
Copyright 2025 SOCAN/ASCAP

Verse 1
Tell you what we're gonna do
To get you in the holiday mood
Drum a rhythm on an old tin can
Or just join in and clap your hands
Whoa we're kicking off
This Christmas jam!

Verse 2
Stars come out to watch us sing
We barefoot dance in a friendship ring
Passing peace from soul to soul
Our Christmas vibe is warm and whole
As love shines bright in every heart and soul

Chorus
Kicking Christmas into gear
Join in... spread some holiday cheer
Palm trees shine with homemade lights
Sweet sorrel coolin' through the night
This island vibe feels Christmassly fine

Verse 3
Stories and memories from long ago
Fire crackles in a golden glow (
Sweet bread melts like island snow
We sing together soft and low
Oh how the Children's laughter steals the show

Verse 4
We sing for those both near and far
Their love still shines like evening stars
We hear their whispers upon the sea
Drifting cross the island breeze
Bound together in perfect harmony

Chorus
Kicking Christmas into gear
Join in... spread some holiday cheer
Palm trees shine with homemade lights
Sweet sorrel coolin' through the night
This island vibe feels Christmassly fine

(Instrumental Solo)

Bridge - (Party Chant)
Kick it once -- for joy and cheer! (Hey hey!)
Kick it twice -- the vibe is here! (Let's go!)
Drums are rollin', bells keep ringin'
All across the island, everybody's singin'

Chorus
Kicking Christmas into gear
Join in... spread some holiday cheer
Palm trees shine with homemade lights
Sweet sorrel coolin' through the night
This island vibe feels Christmassly fine

Outro Chorus
Kicking Christmas into gear
Join in... spread some holiday cheer
Palm trees shine with homemade lights
Sweet sorrel coolin' through the night
This island vibe feels Christmassly fine
Oh, this island vibe feels Christmassly fine

I say this island vibe feels Christmassly fine

Fade Out OUTRO INSTRUMENTAL