Mariah Carey’s “It’s Time” video celebrates its 30th anniversary and the start of the holiday spirit.
Mariah Carey, known as the “Queen of Christmas,” has made her annual tradition of signaling in the Christmas season with her “It’s Time” video on November 1st. This year, the video featured a playful transition from Halloween to Christmas, highlighting the enduring legacy of her hit song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The Path to Iconic Status
While “All I Want For Christmas is You” is now a beloved Christmas classic, its success was not instantaneous. The song was released in 1994 as part of Carey’s first Christmas album, ”Merry Christmas.“ Carey co-wrote the song with Walter Afanasieff. Despite the widespread belief that it only took 15 minutes to write, Carey has clarified that it took longer, with inspiration drawn from various things that evoked the Christmas spirit.
Interestingly, Merry Christmas was not the top-selling new holiday album of 1994. However, the song’s popularity steadily grew, eventually becoming today’s holiday anthem.
Streaming services greatly increased the song’s reach. Its accessibility on platforms like Spotify contributed to billions of streams and helped it break records, solidifying its place in the Christmas music playlists. Also, the song’s frequent appearances in movies, TV shows and commercials further secured its place in pop culture.
Carey’s wholehearted embrace of Christmas, from themed tours to her playful “Queen of Christmas” title, has undeniably boosted the song’s popularity. Her image as a holiday figurehead has become intertwined with the song’s success.
The “It’s Time” Tradition: A Yearly Ritual
Carey’s annual “It’s Time” video, typically posted on November 1, has become a highly anticipated event for fans, marking the official start of the Christmas season for many.
The 2024 video begins with a Halloween theme, featuring Carey dressed as Morticia Addams. The spooky setting then dramatically transitions to a Christmas wonderland as Carey reveals her Santa suit, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. Then, Carey hits her iconic high note with “It’s Time,” and the song plays.
Carey’s embrace of the Christmas season, as seen in the “It’s Time” video, solidifies her image as the “Queen of Christmas.” This image has contributed significantly to her career, allowing her to build a brand around the holidays through music, merchandise, tours and viral social media moments.
Enduring Success and Recognition
The impact of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is undeniable.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a global phenomenon and a cornerstone of Carey’s career. The song has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive years, a testament to its enduring popularity. It consistently ranks high on streaming platforms, generating an estimated $2.5 million in royalties each year.
In 2019, it hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time, and to commemorate the song’s 25th anniversary, Carey released a new music video for “All I Want For Christmas Is You” featuring her twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
In 2021, it achieved diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, a first for a holiday song.
In 2023, it was also inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, solidifying its cultural significance.
The song continues to generate substantial royalties for Carey each year, further illustrating its enduring commercial success.
A Timeless Christmas Treasure
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has undeniably become a cherished part of the holiday season for many. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and association with Carey’s festive persona have secured its place as a modern Christmas classic. Carey’s yearly “It’s Time” video tradition further amplifies the song’s impact, marking the beginning of Christmas for countless fans and solidifying her place as a true holiday icon.