Clay Aiken, the renowned singer and American Idol alum, cherishes Christmas and recently shared a heartwarming story from his childhood that profoundly shaped his perspective on gratitude. In an interview with PEOPLE surrounding the release of his first album in over a decade, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Aiken recounted a valuable lesson his mother taught him about appreciating what you have.
When Aiken was around 11 or 12 years old, he received a model space shuttle as a Christmas gift from his mother. Confused, young Aiken pointed out that he had received the same gift the previous year. His mother confirmed that it was indeed the same space shuttle. Aiken had opened it the year before, only to store it away in his closet, untouched and forgotten. His mother retrieved the forgotten gift, rewrapped it, and presented it to him again the following Christmas.
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This experience deeply resonated with Aiken, instilling in him a lifelong appreciation for the things he possesses. He realized the importance of cherishing gifts and experiences, rather than taking them for granted. The memory of the re-gifted space shuttle remains a powerful reminder of this lesson.
Aiken also shared a unique family tradition, one he never personally participated in but always found fascinating. In his mother’s younger years, his extended family would gather for Christmas, and only one person would receive a significant gift. Everyone else opened small trinkets. However, one gift box contained a peculiar surprise – a hog’s tail. The recipient of the hog’s tail was then tasked with finding the hidden “great present” outside.
While this tradition had faded by the time Aiken was born, he fondly remembers hearing stories about it and expressed a desire to potentially revive it within his own family. This anecdote highlights Aiken’s connection to family history and the spirit of Christmas.
After a decade-long hiatus from music, Aiken’s return with Christmas Bells Are Ringing marks a significant milestone in his career. Following a reunion tour with fellow American Idol star Ruben Studdard, Aiken rediscovered his passion for music and its ability to bring joy. He deliberately chose to create a Christmas album, recognizing the universal happiness associated with the holiday season.
Christmas Bells Are Ringing, released on November 22nd, features ten classic holiday tracks, including timeless favorites like Bing Crosby’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, Nat King Cole’s “Caroling, Caroling,” and Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.” The album is a nostalgic tribute to Christmas traditions and aims to evoke the warmth and spirit of the holidays. During his time away from music, Aiken focused on raising his son, Parker, and pursued a career in politics, even running for Congress twice and becoming a UNICEF Ambassador.
