All I want for Christmas is you, not an algorithm

As Christmas songs celebrate love and togetherness, a growing number of people are turning instead to AI “companions” for intimacy and advice

Naoise Grenham

Naoise Grenham

Why St Michael’s Lent is a remedy for summer complacency

Maria Steen

The Irish government’s war on tradwives

Dominic Perrem

The theology of cardboard boxes

6 min read

‘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’

From nearly the first light of November, it has become increasingly difficult for even the most discerning critic to evade the enduring lyrics of Mariah Carey’s long-lasting Christmas classic, ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’. Blasting from supermarket sound systems, blaring from car radios, and booming from party speakers, the memorable melody and lively lyrics of the 1994 hit have composed a cultural soundtrack to our long Christmas season. Whatever your view of its musical merits or demerits, the core message of the song is a worthy one: rather than splash money on our loved ones, spend quality time with them instead.

5freearticles every month

Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.

Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

Create free account See our subscription offers

subscribe to the catholic herald today

Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.