The Everlasting Allure of 'NSync's 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays' for '90s Kids in December
‘NSync’s ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays’ is a timeless anthem that captured the hearts of ‘90s kids With catchy lyrics, an iconic music video, and Justin Timberlake's legendary frosted tips, it became a Billboard hit, featured in movies, and covered by various artists Don't miss the animated music video!
The telltale signs of a ‘90s kid include a fondness for Disney Channel Original Movies and a collection of Beanie Babies. During the holidays, one can easily spot a ‘90s child by their enthusiastic blasting of ‘NSync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.”
This 1998 holiday hit is featured on the boy band’s Home for Christmas album, one of four records released before their 2002 breakup. Although the group, consisting of Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez, reunited in 2023 for Trolls Band Together’s “Better Place” single, for those who grew up on them, December is synonymous with their holiday album.
During a Stubhub Q&A in December 2016, Bass expressed his enthusiasm for the Christmas album, calling it his favorite among the ones they've done. Despite his initial reservations about "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," he later admitted that the song has grown on him and he now loves it. Find out below why '90s kids keep singing the song every Christmas season.
The Lyrics Are Catchy — Simple, But Catchy
The band immediately captivated the audience, but it's the chorus that sticks in the minds of ‘90s kids. "It's an amazing feeling / Feel the love filling the room from the bottom to the top / It's that special time of the year / Christmas is here," the group croons. "And with blessings from above / God showers you with His love / And everything is alright / Merry Christmas, happy holidays!"
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The Music Video for ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays’ Was Iconic
Justin Timberlake’s Frosted Tips Hairstyle Stole the Show
The beloved Gary Coleman played the role of an elf in the music video, need we say more? Not only did the comedian make an appearance, but all of the members donned Santa hats, flew around in a festive sleigh, and miraculously saved Christmas when Santa got sick and could not leave home. The video also featured an abundance of garland, dancing with extras on set, and fake snow.
Timberlake’s fashion choices while in ‘NSync were legendary, such as his frosted tip hairstyle in this video and his denim on denim look at the 2001 American Music Awards with then-girlfriend Britney Spears. Although Timberlake has since changed his hairstyle and he and Spears went their separate ways in 2002, fans will always have this video to cherish.
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It Was Featured in ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’
The beloved holiday song that played during the end credits of the 1998 film I’ll Be Home for Christmas is a nostalgic memory for many who grew up in the ‘90s. This heartwarming movie starred ‘90s heartthrob Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel, who is now married to Justin Timberlake. The story follows college student Jake (played by Thomas) as he embarks on a thrilling and memorable journey to make it home in time for Christmas, after getting stranded in the desert.
It Was Released at the Height of ‘NSync’s Career
Following their debut album ‘NSync in 1997, the band released their second studio album Home for Christmas, which achieved double platinum certification as a holiday album. The group went on to release two more records, No Strings Attached in 2000 and Celebrity in 2001, before eventually splitting up.
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The Song Made the Billboard Top 40 in the U.S.
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” was the only single from Home for Christmas. It charted at No. 37 on Billboard’s Top Mainstream chart.
It’s Been Covered By Several Artists
In 2016, Pentatonix, the a cappella group, included the track on their holiday album, A Pentatonix Christmas. David Archuleta then released his own version three years later for his 2019 record Winter in the Air, followed by Betty Who in 2020. In the subsequent year, Tauren Wells sang it for a non-album single.
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‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays’ Even Has an Animated Music Video
If the original music video doesn’t pique your interest, ‘NSync unveiled an animated rendition in November 2023. In this revamped video, the band is depicted as paper dolls traveling in a sleigh through New York City, soaring above the bustling city as the residents get ready for the holiday season.
