Jackson 5 gave love on Christmas Day but did not celebrate the holiday themselves

There is an old saying that "Looks can be deceiving," and it certainly is true. In the cover photo, you see from left, The Jackson 5, Marlon, Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, and Michael Jackson, posing in front of a Christmas tree with presents.

This obviously was a staged photo because the famous brothers did not celebrate Christmas as they were growing up. This image might have been related to their recording The Jackson Five Christmas Album, which was released in October of 1970 and spent the entire month of December at the number one spot on Billboard Magazine's Christmas music charts.

The Jackson 5 Christmas Album was the first holiday album and fourth studio album by the famous singing siblings. It sold more than 3.5 million copies but the album did not get the recognition it deserved.

During the period of 1963-1973, holiday recordings were not allowed to be listed on the regular music charts. Even so, the Jackson 5's Christmas as number one in Billboard Magazine's Christmas music chart for 4 weeks.

Many fans have found it quite interesting that while the 5 famous brothers were entertaining the world with their holiday music, they, themselves, were not partaking in the joy of the season.

Their mother, Katherine, raised her children in the Jehovah's Witness faith, where birthdays and Christmas are not acknowledged.

During a 1993 interview after winning an award, Michael Jackson said that his family did not celebrate Christmas or birthdays and that he did not have a normal childhood.

The king of pop obviously felt that he missed out on what other children enjoyed and perhaps even took for granted. Two of the songs on the Christmas Album received many requests to be played on the radio.

They were "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" The Jacksons' holiday offering was the best-selling Christmas album of 1970 and also 1972, receiving high praise from the critics.

The Jacksons thrilled fans around the world with their music. It’s a sobering thought, that, as they brought joy to millions but they were not happy. Listening to little Michael Jackson belt out Santa Claus is Coming to Town and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus gives the illusion that he was living what he was singing.

When he shouts,” I did, I really did see mommy kissing Santa Claus,” you believed him. Just imagine these five young men singing about the wonders of a holiday they never participated in.

It must have been difficult to listen to other children talk about what was underneath the tree and see them on new bikes and skates. Once they got to California, where there was so much excess during the holidays, this probably really troubled the brothers.

I have found no evidence that any of the other Jackson siblings spoke publicly about not celebrating Christmas, but Michael made it known that he felt robbed of his childhood. It’s been suggested that this is why he created Neverland Ranch and invited children to visit.

Some have said they found it hypocritical that Joe Jackson did not allow Christmas to be celebrated in his home, but allowed his sons to partake in the commercial aspects of the holiday for “business”.

In addition to the albums and the cover photo, the Jackson brothers were guests on early 1970s variety shows such as Sonny and Cher, where they did Christmas skits.

When Janet Jackson was 12, she portrayed Penny in the final season of the sitcom Good Times, where her character shoplifted a Christmas gift for Whilonna. These are but observations and don’t really matter, and I share them as a point of reference. If you loved The Jackson 5, you can enjoy a bit of nostalgia and holiday music by listening to The Jackson 5 Christmas Album.