In a surprising twist to her iconic seasonal persona, Mariah Carey has bestowed the title of "Queen of Christmas" upon the Virgin Mary, stepping away from a moniker that she never personally embraced.

According to Breitbart, this move by Carey marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the title that has been associated with her since the mid-90s.

The saga began with the release of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1994. The song's overwhelming success not only made it a perennial favorite but also unwittingly thrust the title of "Queen of Christmas" upon Mariah Carey. Despite its unofficial status, the label stuck, closely associating Carey with Christmas celebrations globally.

Carey’s recent remarks on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show highlighted her discomfort with the title. She expressed her admiration for Christmas and her role in creating festive music while humbly redirecting the royal moniker to the biblical figure Mary, underscoring her personal beliefs and the religious aspect of the holiday season.

Mariah Carey Declares Virgin Mary As True Christmas Monarch

In November 2024, during the commencement of her Christmas Time Tour at Yaamava Resort & Casino in California, Carey explicitly acknowledged the Virgin Mary as the rightful "Queen of Christmas." This public declaration marked a pivotal moment in Carey’s relationship with the festive title, as she distanced herself from any claims to it.

The controversy around the "Queen of Christmas" title is not just about public perception but also involves legal battles. In 2021, Carey's company, Lotion LLC, filed to trademark "Queen of Christmas," along with other related terms, setting the stage for a contentious fight over the ownership of the label.

The trademark attempt by Lotion LLC was met with resistance from several quarters. Notable among the opposition were artists Darlene Love and Elizabeth Chan, both of whom have vested interests in the Christmas music genre. Chan’s formal opposition through legal channels significantly escalated the matter.

Legal Battle Over Christmas Moniker Unfolds

As the dispute intensified, the Trial Trademark and Appeal Board ultimately ruled against Carey’s application. This legal judgment rendered Lotion LLC’s attempt to secure the trademark unsuccessful, maintaining the title as a non-exclusive term that could not be legally owned by any single entity.

Following the trademark ruling, Carey took to Twitter to extend the monarchy of Christmas goodwill by celebrating Dolly Parton, whom she referred to in a tweet as “The Queen of the World, The Queen of Christmas, The Queen of Mine!!” This further highlighted her recognition of other significant contributors to the holiday music scene.

Conversely, Darlene Love’s reaction to the trademark decision was one of jubilation. Through a Facebook post, she expressed gratitude and congratulated fellow musicians, emphasizing the communal and shared nature of Christmas music.

Victory Against Trademark Monopolization Celebrated

The attorney representing Elizabeth Chan, Louis Tompros, critiqued Carey’s trademark efforts as an attempt at "classic trademark bullying." Furthermore, he lauded Chan’s courage in standing up against what he called a bullying tactic, thereby ensuring that the "Queen of Christmas" title remains available for all to use, free from monopolistic claims.

As a result of this legal resolution and Carey’s public statements, the "Queen of Christmas" title has effectively been opened up as a homage to a broader spectrum of artists and even to figures of faith like the Virgin Mary. By declining the title, Carey has reframed Christmas royalty as an inclusive and multifaceted celebration, rather than an exclusive entitlement.

Moreover, the unfolding narrative of the "Queen of Christmas" title reflects broader themes of celebrity, ownership, and tradition intersecting in the public domain. Notably, Carey’s recent disavowal of the title has introduced a new layer to this complex story, perhaps setting a precedent for how public figures interact with culturally significant labels in the future.