Ex-teen idol loving her 50s, chance to play Las Vegas

This star from the ’80s is embracing her 50s.

“I don’t call it aging,” Debbie Gibson says. “I call it being seasoned. The more seasoned you are the better you know yourself.”

The onetime teen idol just got back from a tour of Australia and has an expanded Christmas album called “Winterlicious D’Luxe” dropping Oct. 22 with six new, original tracks. Add to the mix a five-show run at the Strat Theater from Dec. 17 through 20.

Gibson has called Las Vegas home since 2009. Her Summerlin digs include a recording studio with the original sign from her iconic “Electric Youth” album, a vintage 1950s microphone, the carousel horse from her “Girls Night Out” music video and a multitude of sequin, leather and denim costumes from her 40-year career. The showpiece is a mirrored piano once owned by legendary entertainer Liberace. There are also a few copies of her recent memoir, “Eternally Electric.”

She’ll soon make room for costumes from her Strat dates.

“When I’m onstage, it is my happy place. The stage is my north star,” says the 56-year-old, whose hits include “Foolish Beat,” “Lost in Your Eyes” and “Shake Your Love.” “It’s the best and a blessing because nothing else in life compares. I’m still following that dream I had as a girl. You never give up.”

Gibson offered her good life advice:

Health battle

“A big part of my first decade here, I was really sick dealing with Lyme disease,” says Gibson, who adds that she feels much better now. “It really is a lot, managing a particular health puzzle. I think the better you know yourself and your body, the easier it is to manage. Anyone who deals with a chronic illness like Lyme disease knows that sometimes it’s hard. I’ve pretty much had to learn how to manage it.”

Exciting age

“Everyone is just getting started in their 50s. I’ve had a fabulous last 10 years,” she says. “Oh, my God, I’m still experiencing firsts at this age. The only thing is, now I’m very present to enjoy every moment and receive it.”

Go for it

A Brooklyn native and the third of four daughters, Gibson grew up in suburban Merrick on Long Island, where she studied piano as a girl and wrote songs. “I had these wild dreams of becoming a singer. People want to tell you why something can’t happen, but I was like, ‘La-la-la-la-la, I can’t hear you!’ ” she recalls, getting misty-eyed. “Mom and I were two gals sitting in a very humble house with three mortgages on it. We just went for it in a time of no social media. I remember putting my music on a cassette tape and putting it in the mail to send it to people!”

It’s showtime

What should folks expect from Gibson’s Strat production? “This show is modern and campy,” she says. “I go out into the audience. Just playing Vegas excites me. I’ve been contemplating that since I was 12! This is just the right show, the right people and the right venue. The showroom feels quite old school and modern at the same time.”

Holiday plans

Between her new album and show, Gibson is already in holiday mode. “My typical Christmas varies from year to year,” she says. “Sometimes, I go to my sister’s house on the East Coast. I’ve been traveling so much that it might be nice to be home alone with my dogs this year. Vegas can also be peaceful! It can be a place to catch your breath while everyone else is spinning.”