Released November 29, 1998 Recorded 1998 Length 4:12 | Format CD single Genre Pop | |
B-side "All I Want Is You (This Christmas)" | ||
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" is the first and only single from NSYNC's second studio album, Home for Christmas. The song charted at #37 on the Top 40 Mainstream chart. The single was also the second from *NSYNC's European seasonal album, The Winter Album.
Contents
Critical reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed the song in the context of Home for Christmas, and gave the following review:
It's always a sign that a group is hot if they release a holiday album mere months after their debut. That's the case with *NSYNC. Their debut was released in America in late March, and in early December, Home for Christmas hit the shelves. Much of the album is devoted to newer material, such as the anthemic "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays", and only a handful of songs qualifying as standards: "The Christmas Song," "The First Noel," and "O Holy Night." All of it is given the familiar *NSYNC sheen, alternating between slickly produced adult contemporary ballads and lite dance-pop.
Music video
The video for the track was directed by Lionel C. Martin. The video's premise is Santa has become sick on Christmas Eve. Gary Coleman, dressed as an elf, summons NSYNC to take over. The boys deliver toys, presents, and good cheer throughout. The video debuted on TRL December 14, 1998. A reference to Coleman's classic sitcom Diff'rent Strokes is made when after Coleman tells NSYNC to deliver the presents, they say, "Whatchu talkin' about, Gary?", a play on the classic line, "Whatchu talkin' about, Willis?".
Track listing
- "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" – 4:12
- "All I Want Is You (This Christmas)" – 3:16