The company wanted him to do the record knowing he would approach the project with a unique angle and produce something different from the typical Christmas album.

The result was a challenge to Lukather, who had to be creative to turn the traditionally simple songs into something interesting for listeners.

[1] The musicians Lukather chose for SantaMental, most of whom are hard rock veterans, lent a heavy feel to the album.

Van Halen recorded guitar tracks for "Joy to the World" after not having been in the studio for some time but immediately made an impression on Lukather with his level of playing.

Vai provided guitar work for "Carol of the Bells" along with Lukather's son Trevor, then 14 years old.