LI's Debbie Gibson releases 'Christmas Star' single
Singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson, who grew up in Merrick, is releasing the new holiday single "Christmas Star" on Friday. Credit: Nick Spanos
Move over Mariah Carey, Debbie Gibson has an original holiday song of her own. The singer-songwriter, who grew up in Merrick, will drop a new single, "Christmas Star" on Friday.
"There’s a lot of cynicism and pain in the world but there is always room for change and shifting that energy. ‘Christmas Star’ speaks to forgiving yourself, others and of being the change you want to see in the world by making changes in yourself," says Gibson, 51. "Holiday time always feels like a chance for a fresh start!"
But, this isn’t just your average pop tune. The song has a message Gibson wants to get across to listeners.
"Everyone has the power to manifest what they want!" says Gibson. "You want that glimmer of hope and that new attitude? Don’t just stare at that star atop the tree but, actually BE the star of your own life!"
Gibson, who currently lives in Las Vegas, has plans to return home to the East Coast for the season. In fact, she has several precious Long Island holiday memories from skating on Mill Pond in Wantagh and at Newbridge Rink in Bellmore to spending the holidays at her grandparents’ house in Bellmore.
"Santa always came to their house live and in person. He gave out gag gifts to all the old Italians like, ‘Ohhh a jar of red peppers for Sal.' Basically, whatever Santa could find in the basement. It was hysterical!" she recalls. "The most memorable might have been the year of Cabbage Patch [doll] mania! Grandma almost got trampled at Roosevelt Field mall … another treasured stomping ground! The Italian cooking, though, is maybe the most vivid for me. My grandpa yelling [to his wife], ‘Josephine, will you please sit down!’ But, she was too busy serving the family!"
This song is just a taste of what’s to come next year when Gibson will release a full holiday album. In the meantime, she hopes "Christmas Star" catches on.
Gibson says, "It is my dream that this song makes people feel so great, festive and empowered and that it is a ‘go to’ every holiday season!"
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
