Michelle Stanek

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you, yeah

Mariah Carey, the voice of our generation, begins her magnum opus “All I Want for Christmas is You” by reminding the listener of the true meaning of Christmas. She is only asking for one thing this Christmas, and it is not the hollow pleasures of materialistic presents under the artificially created and groomed fir tree, but instead a meaningful connection with another person.

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need (and I) Don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas Day

Carey creates a careful diatribe of capitalistic consumerism through her repetition of her lack of desire for the material by expressing that she doesn’t “care about… presents” and even something as pure and amusing as a toy “won’t make [her] happy…on Christmas Day” (Carey 11-16).

I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you You, baby

She continues upon this theme of anti-consumerism by stressing that she wants that deep human connection “more than you could ever know”, illustrating the fact that there has been a decrease in overall human cognizance regarding our own society’s tendency to lean towards cupidity and selfishness (Carey 6).

Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow (and I) I'm just going to keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click

Mariah Carey maintains this theme throughout the second verse by disillusioning the American public to the sham that Christmas traditions have become. By referencing that one must “wish for snow”, Carey emphasizes the Earth’s current issues with global warming and through a simple line creates a strong argument that emphasizes her desire to see a world in which humans no longer destroy the environment.

'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do? Baby, all I want for Christmas is you You, baby

Further, Carey deconstructs the materialistic side of Santa – namely that children send him a list of their desired presents, but not a token of thanks during the winter months. She clearly expresses her disgust toward Western Christmas ideals as she states that she “won’t even stay awake” when he visits her house (Carey 28).

Oh, all the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing

In the final lines of the classic, Carey pleads with the listener to regain a sense of perspective on the toxic ideals of Christmas time by reminding them of the true joys of Christmas: “the sound of children’s / Laughter”, “everyone… singing” together, and “the one[s]” that you “really need…. / Standing right outside [your] door” (Carey 37-42). These lines within the final stanzas of the song clearly support the anti-consumeristic message that she is spreading.

Oh, I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby, all I want for Christmas is...

Youuuu You, baby Youuuu All, all, all, all Youuuu

Utilizing repetition and masterful musical talent, Carey ingrains these ideas within the minds of listeners and stresses a return to Christmas in its purest form. In just one 4-minute tune, Carey generates a message that encourages spending time with one’s family and friends in order to create meaningful human relationships, rather than wasting it on material greed, solidly cementing “All I Want for Christmas is You” as the most perfect Christmas carol – nay, song – ever created.

TLDR; the song slaps.