If you’re an American of Italian descent, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with this mid-20th century masterpiece of Christmas kitsch. Recorded by Lou Monte in the late 1950s, “Dominic the Donkey” tells the tale of a little donkey with a heart of gold who helps Santa traverse the many hills of Italy, where the reindeer cannot tread.

The song was not very popular when it came out, as the Italian lyrics and references kept it from appealing to a national audience. But in the ’90s and early ’00s the novelty tune had a resurgence, and after appearing on a Christmas compilation in 2011 it blew up in popularity.