Mariah Carey Reveals Strict Christmas Traditions Her Family Must Follow

Mariah Carey opened up to Jennifer Hudson on her talk show about her favorite Christmas songs and films of all time. She spoke about refusing any other music aside from Christmas music in her home and only watching holiday-themed movies. 

The self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas recently ushered in the festive season with a funny video clip that showed her encased in a block of ice.

Carey was the latest celebrity guest on Jennifer Hudson's self-titled "The Jennifer Hudson Show." During their conversation, the legendary singer opened up about the various aspects of Christmas that she's "obsessed" with. Carey shared her all-time favorite Christmas songs and films, besides her famous songs, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Oh Santa!."

She said, "My favorite all-time Christmas song is Nat King Cole's version of Christmas Song — that's my favorite." Hudson agreed with her, saying that the song was also her "grandmother's favorite."

Carey also emphasized her devotion to the Christmas spirit, including the films and songs in her home. She revealed that she doesn't allow anyone to "listen to anything but Christmas music," and all the movies she watches "have to be Christmas-related." 

The iconic vocalist has become largely associated with the season and even takes it upon herself to declare the beginning of Christmas annually. This year, on November 1, she shared a video of herself defrosting and singing "It's…… TIME!!!" in her signature whistle note.

The defrosting video featured Carey's classic holiday hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You." It showed her playing in the falling snow with her 12-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, whom she co-parents with ex-husband and comedian Nick Cannon.

During the conversation, Hudson asked Carey if she had a favorite Christmas movie. She replied, "Well, I love 'Elf.' I gotta say that. And then I like 'Miracle on 34th Street,' the original one. It's an older one, but it's got something about it."

When Hudson shared that her favorite Christmas film is "Home Alone," Carey said, "Yes, everybody loves 'Home Alone!'" The "Touch My Body" singer also shared that she brings the Christmas spirit into her home by placing multiple Christmas trees around the house.

She stated, "In the main part of the house, there will be a nice, tall Christmas tree with gold and silver — not actual gold. Then I have a smaller multicolored-lights tree, like the Charlie Brown tree, with some ornaments that my fans made for me and different stuff like that."

Carey explained to Hudson that she and her family take Polaroid pictures and place "them on the tree." The five-time Grammy winner laughed as she claimed that she cooks for her family for the holidays, but nobody believes her.

She said, "I cook Italian food on the 23rd because my father had a recipe for linguine with white clam sauce that he left for me before he passed away. It's very good. I make that and some other things."

Carey added, "I do a traditional Christmas dinner, and I help. I'm not there doing everything alone. I'm not gonna say that. But I do add a little bit of seasoning."

Aside from ushering in the Christmas season, Carey also launched Victoria's Secret's new holiday collection. The "Emotions" singer looked stunning in Christmas-themed corsets, sexy slip dresses, luxurious robes, and cute cami sets.

During an interview with Vogue, Carey spoke about the new campaign. She said, "It was so fun seeing the new collection and their creative vision come to life. From the seasonal colors to the vibrant glam—I felt the holiday spirit all around me."

The promotional shots showed Carey in various outfits, flipping her hair, and posing beautifully. She told Vogue that when she thinks of dressing up for the holidays, it's usually "glamorous styles" that "complement the season."

Carey emphasized that she loves "selecting looks that feel like their own celebratory moment." The legendary singer also shared a secret: that she plans to steal some of the beautiful outfits for her holiday parties.