Mariah Carey, long synonymous with holiday cheer through her iconic hit All I Want for Christmas Is You, has opened up about not officially becoming the “Queen of Christmas.” Carey’s petition to trademark the title was recently denied by trademark agencies, leaving the singer to reflect on the outcome and her connection to the festive season.
In an interview with The New York Times, Carey shared her thoughts on the missed opportunity. “I felt it was too early in my career,” she said, adding, “I focused on all the things my mother struggled to create. All I needed was a shower of glitter and a full church choir to back me up.”
Despite the trademark rejection, Carey remains a symbol of Christmas joy for millions. The singer has often spoken about the significance of the holiday in her life, including its contrast with her challenging childhood.
In a 2022 interview with W magazine, Carey reflected on her early Christmas experiences. “I had some very sad Christmases as a child, but I always try to find the bright light there,” she shared. “It was an extremely dysfunctional childhood, to the point where it’s shocking that I made it out of that at all.”
She also opened up about the struggles of growing up without representation or role models she could identify with. “There were no role models for people who were clearly mixed or, you know, light-skinned or whatever we were categorizing it as then. So, I didn’t know who to look up to when I was growing up. It was difficult.”
Carey, however, emphasized the joy Christmas brings her today. “Christmas makes me happy. People think I had this princess-style life or whatever, a kind of fairy-tale existence where I just emerged, like, ‘Here I am!’ And that is not what it is,” she said.
While the trademark title remains out of reach, Carey’s undeniable influence on holiday traditions worldwide cements her as an enduring figure in the Christmas spirit. For fans, her music and festive energy continue to make her the unofficial “Queen of Christmas,” regardless of trademark status.
Her reflections remind listeners of the resilience and light she’s brought to the holiday season, turning personal hardships into a legacy of joy and celebration.