The song is a downbeat objection to the Christmas and holiday season, lyrically examining the passage of time and a disintegrating relationship.

The group recorded "I Won't Be Home for Christmas" in 1997 with former drummer Scott Raynor and guitarist Tom DeLonge, which was released as a single in 2001.

[1] That same year, with Barker, the band included "Happy Holidays, You Bastard" in the track listing of their fourth LP, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.

The video utilizes claymation stylistically, depicting Blink members Hoppus, Barker, and Skiba performing for a group of elves in the North Pole.

[9] The group first teased the song on December 4, 2019, posting its single cover art on their social media accounts, followed by a proper announcement the next day.

[12] Likewise, it made an appearance at number 37 on the publication's Holiday Digital Song Sales chart in the week preceding Christmas.

[13] Jon Blistein at Rolling Stone complimented the tune as "mostly vintage Blink, with chugging pop-punk riffs during the verse opening up into a full-throated chorus — although there are some expertly placed sleigh bells in the mix as well.