Washington – In 1994, when Mariah Carey released her very first holiday album, could anyone have foreseen the astonishing Christmas dominance that would follow? This young pop chanteuse, renowned for “Emotions” at that time, has now journeyed for nearly 35 years in her sterling career. Her path has led to hits like “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Honey,” and “We Belong Together,” along with one incredibly ubiquitous Christmas song.

The Annual Return of “All I Want for Christmas is You”

The resurgence of “All I Want for Christmas is You” – the cornerstone of her “Merry Christmas” album three decades ago – has become an annual event. Carey finds delightful ways each year to “defrost” her jingle bell jaunt. It also serves as the zippy finale of her Christmas Time Tour, which she embarked on in early November. Her spreading of good cheer continues through a December 17 hometown show in New York.

Costume Changes and Vocal Centerpieces

At Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena, a large part of the sold-out crowd was dressed in festive attire. The snow princess arrived on a descending snowflake and departed on a sleigh, creating seasonal bookends to a show filled with high production value and vocal centerpieces. An eight-piece choir joined her four-member band and three background singers for the opening “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” White particles drifted from the rafters as Carey, 55, baby-stepped across the stage in a curve-hugging white mermaid gown. This was the first of four costume changes, which also included caped gowns and bodysuits. Each arrival was greeted with excited breaths from her Lambies.“Feel that joy. It’s what the world needs,” Carey said before an elegantly arranged “Joy to the World,” her trademark melismatic singing adding to the classic.

Favorite Christmas Songs and Performances

Carey’s Santa sack of favorites included a sincere rendition of Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home).” Her band credibly replicated the lush Phil Spector production. There was also the syncopated pop of “Oh Santa!,” an original from her second Christmas album, “Merry Christmas II You.” And a high-kicking prance through “Sleigh Ride” with her rubber-limbed dancers.

Kids and Santa on Stage

Carey’s 13-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, made a cute appearance, allowing Mom time for a wardrobe change. The teens and their pals brandished drum sticks and guitars for a romp through The Waitresses’ 1981 “Christmas Wrapping,” briefly stealing the spotlight. No matter how many choir members, dancers, or props were on stage, Carey with her cascading caramel-colored hair and prim movements was always easy to spot, even when Santa himself arrived to toss gifts.

Showing Her Genuine Side

While Carey may give the impression of being an untouchable diva, she proved otherwise when a team of security guards led her through the front row of fans to take selfies and sign items while semi-singing “Always Be My Baby.” This moment directly contradicted ice queen assumptions and showcased her genuine affection for her Lambily.This Christmas Time Tour is built around Carey’s command of the holiday thanks to her sweet jangle of an anthem. But it’s her genius to use that hit as a launch pad for jolly supremacy.