Mariah Carey has shared insights into the challenges she faced while filming the music video for her iconic holiday song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In a recent interview with Allure, the 56-year-old singer described the experience as “brutal” due to the cold temperatures during the shoot. Despite the festive appearance of the video, Carey emphasized that the process was anything but effortless, stating, “I was so freezing (in my Santa suit). It was definitely not chic and effortless.”
Reflecting on the enduring significance of her Santa suit, Carey noted her fondness for the outfit, revealing, “Someone asked me, ‘Do you still have that one?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I use the same one every year.’” This song is part of her 1994 album, *Merry Christmas*, and has become a global holiday staple. The track has achieved remarkable success, earning three Guinness World Records titles, including the distinction of being the highest-charting holiday (Christmas/New Year) song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019.
From Humble Beginnings to Holiday Classic
Carey also reminisced about the humble beginnings of the song’s creation. “I started writing that on a little DX7 or Casio keyboard that was in this little room in the house that I lived in at the time in Upstate New York lifetimes ago,” she explained. The singer described how she captured her festive inspirations, stating, “Just writing down everything that I thought about. All the things that reminded me of Christmas that made me feel festive that I wanted other people to feel.”
Over the years, Carey has embraced her holiday persona, marking several anniversaries of her beloved track. For the 20th anniversary of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” she released an updated music video featuring her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, both now 15 years old. Carey has also revisited her signature Santa-inspired look, incorporating a plunging red gown and a costume influenced by *The Nutcracker* into her festive appearances.
A New Doll to Celebrate Holiday Style
Her influence has even reached the world of toys, as Mattel introduced a Barbie doll modeled in her likeness for the 2023 holiday season. Carey expressed her delight about the doll, saying, “When I saw my doll, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so cute.’” The design is inspired by the Christmas dress she wore in the second music video for “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which was directed by the renowned Joseph Kahn.
With “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide, Mariah Carey’s contributions to holiday music remain celebrated, showcasing the blend of personal experience and artistic expression that defines her work.
