Christmas Music: Is It Time?
In this article, Hallie Johnson brings up the debate of when is the perfect time to listen to Christmas Music. Do we wait until after Thanksgiving? Or do we indulge in festive music as soon as we feel the need?
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Christmas music: is it time?
Christmas music: is it time?
By Hallie Johnson
By Hallie Johnson
Christmas culture in America is intense. Parties, movies, food, traditions, and music take over the lives of spirited Americans as they celebrate the holiday season. However, there is an argument across the nation of when to start celebrating, especially when to turn the Christmas music on. Does Thanksgiving deserve its own time to shine, or is it never too early to share holiday cheer?
On one side of this argument stand those who wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to the Christmas genre. They reason that Thanksgiving is its own holiday and Christmas has plenty of time to be in the spotlight. This argument is backed by clinical psychologist Linda Blair. After research, Blair was able to conclude that listening to Christmas music creates stress, as people think of all the things they need to do and buy, and all of the additional stress that comes with the holidays. In her professional opinion, waiting is better for mental health.
In addition, Thanksgiving comes with its own songs. The infamous childhood song, “Jingle Bells”, was originally intended for the Thanksgiving season, but was adopted into the Christmas culture. In November of last year, singer-songwriter Ben Rector wrote, “The Thanksgiving Song” to accompany his Christmas album. Many also listen to songs that express family, gratitude, and an overall sense of love during November. Songs such as “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Home” by Phillip Phillips, or “Thankful” by Celine Dion are played to generate the warm holiday atmosphere. Festive music does not have to be blatantly expressing love for the holiday. Themes and memories attached are enough to qualify a song for a holiday. Although limited, Thanksgiving music is there and should get its own time to be appreciated.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who listen to Christmas music as soon as the weather drops. With over 10,000 songs in this genre, early listeners constantly have music to satisfy their holiday needs. Although there is a wide variety of music, it's really the same 50-100 Christmas songs being played over and over again. Songs like “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande, and virtually anything by Micheal Bublé or Pentatonix carry the Christmas music industry. In support of her fellow eager listeners, author Rory Larrison writes, “So wouldn’t you agree that if we hear a nice holiday tune in the month of November, even if it’s before Thanksgiving, we should catch that melody, hold it dear and cherish it until we’re forced to let it go for the next 11 months?” She argues that the Christmas season is short, so enjoy the cheer while it lasts.
Very much set in their ways, people on both sides of the debate are ready to defend their Christmas music listening habits. Whether people are ready or not, Christmas music is beginning to play and demands to be heard. So deck the halls and let the carols ring!
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