Though they decided against recording any further albums following its release,[2] the band continued to tour intermittently until 2018.

Another reason is because we thought it would be nice to show The Moody Blues' commitment to the holiday period."

He further explained the inspiration for the songs on the album, as well as the choice of covers: "Christmas is a focus point and it's interesting to be able to contribute our thoughts to that period — not just Christmas presents and parties, but how we relate to what's happening in the world today.

I was in my office and the television was on and I saw all the fighting in the Middle East on the news and I thought, what a strange world that we live in.

"[4] It was their first studio album since The Magnificent Moodies in 1965 to feature cover songs in addition to original material.