All I Want for Christmas is You

Origin of All I Want for Christmas is You

All I Want for Christmas is You is a popular song that was written in 1994 by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. It is about a woman’s simple wish to spend the holiday with her lover. Included in the album, appropriately named Merry Christmas, it ranked in the top 10 in many countries that year.

Music videos followed. One was a traditional “home movie” style video that showed Mariah celebrating the holidays with family. Later, a 60s style video was created with Frank Sinatra in black and white with go-go dancers. In 2000, an animated version of the song was released. In 2003, the song was featured in the movie Love Actually. It was so popular as an MP3 that iTunes ranked it number five in its top downloaded songs category.

Other vocalists were inspired to create their own rendition of All I Want for Christmas is You:

• Shania Twain’s version of this song was performed on the Today Show.
• Samantha Mumba blended her own unique style into the song.
• My Chemical Romance sang their version in 2004 when they played on a KROQ Christmas radio show.

The Tradition of Christmas Music

Beautiful Christmas music is as much of a tradition as presents and good old Saint Nick. It brings people together and lifts everyone’s spirit. Classic carols like Jingle Bells and Silent Night has been with us since the 19th century, while others date back to the Middle Ages. Carols would be sung in church and in strolling choir groups. Today, the tradition lives on with midnight Christmas church services and group caroling to neighborhood communities. Those of us that cannot or will not sing still can enjoy the cheerful choruses by listening to the radio, CD, or MP3.

About Mariah Carey

All I Want for Christmas is You is only one of Mariah Carey’s many hit singles. She became popular in 1990 at the age of 20, and is one of the few modern artists with songs with so many hit singles. Her 17 total hits equals Elvis Presley’s record. The Beatles still hold the highest number of hit singles with 20. She can sing two octaves higher than a normal soprano, which gives her a unique vocal gift. She has won 5 Grammys, American Music Awards, Radio Music Awards, and numerous others.

Cool Links

• See the lyrics of this lovely song.
• Do you play the guitar? Set the mood right for a romantic Christmas dinner or dedication by serenading your sweetheart with its beautiful melodies. See the chords to play this song.
• Download this song as a ringtone for your cell phone.