Michael Jackson brought happiness to millions and earned the title “King of Pop” through a talent that transcended borders, cultures, and generations. His music, often described as a gift to the world, continued to inspire long after its release. Yet despite his warmth, generosity, and charitable spirit, Michael Jackson did not celebrate Christmas for most of his life.
Many fans find this surprising, especially since Michael’s voice is closely associated with the holiday season. Early in his career with The Jackson 5, he recorded a full Christmas album for Motown. Released in 1970, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album featured festive classics like Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, which remain holiday staples today. The album was created largely because much of the group’s fanbase was Christian—but the Jackson family themselves did not celebrate Christmas.
Michael was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, a faith that does not observe Christmas or birthdays. He remained active in the church well into the 1980s, even as his fame reached unprecedented heights. As a result, Christmas was never part of his personal life, despite his public association with the holiday.
That changed in 1993, when his close friend Elizabeth Taylor persuaded him to experience Christmas for the first time. She transformed his Neverland ranch into a festive winter wonderland, determined to show him the joy of the season. Michael was deeply moved and openly grateful, calling Elizabeth one of the few truly loyal friends he ever had.
Though the day filled him with happiness, it also stirred lingering guilt rooted in his upbringing. Still, that single celebration allowed Michael Jackson to finally experience the magic of Christmas—something he had missed throughout his childhood and much of his adult life.
