Mariah Carey loves to cook during the holidays.
The 55-year-old singer – who has attained the honorific title Queen of Christmas thanks to her 1994 anthem ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ – has 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe Scott with her ex-husband Nick Cannon and revealed that she and her daughter spend time together in the kitchen over the festive period. The song has sold over 16 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“I like to cook during the holidays. I make linguini with white clam sauce — my father’s favorite recipe. I make it every year and sometimes my daughter Monroe helps me make it,” she told People. This recipe has been passed down through generations in the Carey family, representing a personal connection to her heritage.
“It’s something I love doing!” The tradition of cooking with family during the holidays is something Carey has maintained despite her busy career, which spans over three decades in the music industry.
The ‘Always Be My Baby’ hitmaker recently insisted that she isn’t particularly hard to please at Christmas because she always appreciates the thought and effort people go to in order to buy a gift they think she will like. This humble approach to gift-receiving comes from someone who has achieved five Grammy Awards and sold over 200 million records worldwide.
Asked if she thinks she is an easy person to buy a gift for, she told Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2: “I think so because it’s really the thought that counts. I mean, I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. If somebody takes time out of their day, and goes and gets you something, that’s a big deal.” Her appreciation for thoughtful gifts reflects her own experiences of giving, as she’s known for her generous charitable work during the holiday season.
Mariah famously releases a video each year, typically after Halloween, titled ‘It’s Time‘, which signifies she is ready to get in the festive spirit. These videos have become a cultural phenomenon, gathering millions of views across social media platforms and marking the unofficial start of the Christmas season for many fans.
And Mariah admitted the clips are often a whole year in the making. This level of dedication to spreading holiday cheer has helped cement her status as the Queen of Christmas, with her holiday special performances consistently drawing massive audiences.
“I mean, I start thinking about the next year’s one after the current year’s comes out. I mean I just love it, I really do, it’s so much fun. Honestly, my whole life I’ve just loved Christmas so much. It’s amazing,” she said. This enthusiasm for the holiday season has translated into remarkable success – ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has topped the Billboard Hot 100 every holiday season since 2019.
The singer’s love for Christmas extends beyond music and cooking. She’s known for her elaborate holiday decorations and celebrations at her homes, often sharing glimpses of these festive arrangements with her fans on social media. Her Christmas traditions have become a source of inspiration for many, combining both grandeur and intimate family moments.
Carey’s commitment to making Christmas special has also influenced her philanthropic efforts. Throughout her career, she has supported various children’s charities during the holiday season, ensuring that less fortunate families can experience the joy of Christmas. Her annual Christmas tours and television specials have become staples of the holiday entertainment calendar, bringing festive cheer to millions worldwide.
The tradition of cooking her father’s linguini recipe represents more than just a holiday meal – it’s a way for Carey to connect her children with their family history and create lasting memories. As she continues to balance her superstar status with meaningful family traditions, Carey demonstrates that even global icons cherish the simple pleasures of cooking with loved ones during the holiday season.
