We chat to Irish Rocker Sean Griffin about his heartfelt new festive song, ‘I’m In Love For Christmas‘ – a reflection on a magical December morning that never ended – and what to expect from his upcoming album…
You’ve returned with an uplifting new holiday single, I’m In Love for Christmas. Originally written in 2004, what inspired you to revisit the track?
With the new album coming and being in the groove of getting songs out, it just felt like the perfect time to share this song. We already had an amazing group of musicians together, and it went really quickly and was super fun. I always wanted to get this song down that I had written for my wife on our first Christmas.
Could you share the heartwarming story – and life-changing moment – that first sparked the creation of the song?
I wrote this for my future wife about an hour before performing live on WFUV in The Bronx. We had just met in October, so this was our first Christmas together. She was at my apartment listening and I wanted to surprise her. It helped tip the scales. We were married that April. 20 years, and six children later it felt like a perfect time to share.
The song feels like an instant classic, blending a warm melody with a shimmering festive soundscape. What was your process for crafting a timeless and uplifting sound that captures the spirit of the season?
Everyone brought something special to the song. We tracked it live for most of the instruments, so that gave it an old classic vibe. This is how so many of the classics were recorded. The production was great. Kenny Siegal at Old Soul Studios came through again! He has tubular bells which really captured the sound we were going for. We created the sound of horses galloping along in a sleigh, and the background singing was just amazing. These elements all helped to build a classic Christmas world.
You’ve described the song as capturing “the glow, chaos, and heart of the season in one breath.” What do those emotions mean to you personally, and how does the song reflect that range?
There is a special warmth and feeling that people feel at Christmas, especially with a first love. With all of the running around and excitement it can be really chaotic. Seeing friends and family, making it to Mass on time, sharing some joy and cheer, and still finding a special moment to share with the one you love. It brings the hope and promise of Christmas and, God willing, even peace on earth.
While the track blends your Irish roots with Americana, your storytelling voice and sound remain uniquely yours. How did you stay true to that identity while adding a seasonal touch?
Thank you. I hope to bring my voice and story to what I do. Trying to carve out new ground while honoring tradition I think is the balance in any music, or folk tradition. To do it in a way that feels authentic, and adds to the songbook that people hopefully resonate with, is always the goal.
This release marks the beginning of a more mature and observational sound ahead of your upcoming album in March 2026. How does this musical shift reflect where you are in life right now?
This particular song does feel very reflective, and even though I wrote it a while back, realizing it now does feel like it has matured in some way, like a 20 year scotch! I’m ecstatic how well it came out, and I’m happy to have waited to do it at this moment, because the words resonate more deeply than they ever could had I recorded it in that first year. The gift of children and a long marriage are the greatest treasure on earth.
Life, love, and family are deeply woven into classic Christmas storytelling. Were there any particular holiday songs that inspired you while writing I’m In Love for Christmas?
Certainly the classic sounds, songs, melodies, and colours of Bing Crosby’s album “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes, and “Happy Christmas War Is Over” by John Lennon. These certainly all helped inform my direction with this.
What does a perfect December morning look like for you?
Being woken up by the feeling of cold, seeing your breath, and going downstairs to start the fire. Making some hot chocolate, and finding a leftover cookie. Getting breakfast started, and checking in on the kids still sleeping. The quiet early morning stillness is very special and that early peaceful morning is such a rarity this time of year.
How do you hope the track will resonate with listeners during the holidays – especially those navigating emotional highs and lows?
I hope it resonates with those who are in love, or have felt that kind of excitement of a new love at the holidays, and gives those who have yet to experience it something to hope for and look forward to.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from your upcoming album both musically and lyrically?
I think people can look forward to some stories, characters, and worlds that they can live in. There is something for everyone on this album,and I think we absolutely hit it out of the park. I can’t wait to see people get some of the joy I had making this record. Thank you so much for having me, and I wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Christmas!