Mariah Carey feels “really proud” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Merry Christmas’.
The 55-year-old singer released the album 30 years ago, and Mariah is thrilled to now be releasing a deluxe digital edition of the record. The original album spawned multiple hit singles and has become a staple of holiday music collections globally.
“The deluxe digital edition of my Merry Christmas album is out now! You know I don’t know numbers but I’m really proud to celebrate 30 years of this album,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m so grateful to all my fans who spent many of their Christmases with these songs. The album is available now with a new remastering of my 1994 concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. [mic and record emojis] Hope you enjoy listening, and hoping we spend many more holidays together! Merry Christmas, xoxo M [Christmas tree and heart emojis] (sic)” The Cathedral concert was a historic performance that showcased Carey’s legendary five-octave vocal range.
Mariah recently revealed that she wants to be a “friend for anyone who needs one” during the festive season. Her commitment to spreading holiday cheer has earned her the unofficial title of “Queen of Christmas” among fans and media outlets.
The singer’s most famous single, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You‘, receives heavy airplay during December and Mariah is “very grateful” to be an essential part of the holiday period for so many people. The song has generated over $60 million in royalties since its release and continues to break streaming records each holiday season.
“I feel very grateful. The holidays are a wonderful time, but they can also be a difficult time for some people,” she told Best magazine. Studies show that holiday depression affects approximately 14% of Americans, making Carey’s message of inclusivity particularly relevant.
“I just try to do my best to make people happy and to feel festive, no matter what’s going on in their lives. I see myself as a friend for anyone who needs one for the holidays.” Her dedication to spreading joy has led to numerous charitable initiatives during the holiday season.
The ‘Hero’ hitmaker spends Christmas in Aspen with her 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe – who she has with ex-husband Nick Cannon – and they always make sure they get out in the snow as part of their festive traditions. The luxury resort town has become synonymous with Carey’s holiday celebrations.
“We do this thing every year where we take Polaroid pictures of each other out in the snow and then we hang them on the small tree we have downstairs. It’s so cute. We have a few like that we always do,” she explained. This personal tradition has inspired many fans to create their own unique holiday customs.
The 30th-anniversary celebration comes at a time when ‘Merry Christmas’ continues to influence new generations of artists and holiday music enthusiasts. The album’s impact on popular culture extends beyond music, influencing holiday fashion, decorations, and entertainment specials.
Music industry experts note that the album’s longevity is particularly remarkable in an era of digital streaming and changing consumer habits. The deluxe digital edition introduces the classic holiday collection to new audiences while offering dedicated fans previously unreleased content and remastered recordings.
The remastered 1994 Cathedral concert footage provides a unique glimpse into Carey’s early career, showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities and stage presence. The historic venue’s acoustics perfectly complemented her powerful voice, creating an unforgettable holiday performance.
Holiday music historians consider ‘Merry Christmas’ a pivotal album that helped modernize the genre while respecting traditional elements. Its blend of original compositions and classic carols created a template that many artists have since followed, though few have achieved similar success.
