diff --git a/kitty/session.py b/kitty/session.py
index 84a442e66..50ab8ddf4 100644
--- a/kitty/session.py
+++ b/kitty/session.py
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ def create_session(opts, args=None, special_window=None, cwd_from=None, respect_
     ans.tabs[-1].layout = current_layout
     if special_window is None:
         cmd = args.args if args and args.args else resolved_shell(opts)
-        if args.hold:
+        if args and args.hold:
             cmd = [kitty_exe(), '+hold'] + cmd
         from kitty.tabs import SpecialWindow
         k = {'cwd_from': cwd_from}