Do You Actually Like Christmas Music?
It’s the holiday season, so you know what that means! Christmas music is playing in malls, commercials, grocery stores, and just about everywhere. It’s the same songs we’ve been listening to for decades, yet every year we still sing along and get excited. Well, maybe most of us?
To test this, I decided to conduct a poll among my family and friends to see just how many people actually enjoy listening to Christmas music each year. The results came back, with 89% answering “Yes” and only 11% answering “No.” Not surprisingly, the two friends who responded “No” were guys. They claimed that Christmas music is played far too early, becomes repetitive, and eventually gets ruined for them. They also said that the cheerfulness and good spirits feel a tad forced and disingenuous. Even though I disagree, I do understand where they are coming from, and some songs can definitely get old fast.
My friends’ distaste made me wonder if this is a generational shift, but then I quickly remembered how my dad is another person who genuinely dislikes Christmas music. As long as I can remember, he would wince at the holiday tunes. When it was finally just my mom and I in the car, we could fully enjoy the music and play every single song we could find. The only time he would give in was on Christmas morning when opening presents. This year, I decided to finally ask him what about it bothers him so much. As I expected, he explained that he doesn’t “hate” Christmas music; the songs are just played far too often. This was almost the exact answer I received from my two friends. Repetitiveness seems to be the common complaint among those who aren’t fans. However, my dad did tell me that his favorite song is “Jingle Bells,” which is ironic because that is probably the most repetitive Christmas song released. Even though he is not a Christmas music fan, the same songs from his childhood are still being played today, and I think there’s something beautiful in that.
Recently, more and more artists have started releasing Christmas music and even full holiday albums. This gives listeners a chance to hear something new and fresh, and hopefully feel a little less monotonous. I love listening to newer songs and the modern take on the holidays that they provide. Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, and Sabrina Carpenter are just a few of the singers who have released new Christmas songs and albums. Many of them are very unique, offering listeners who might be sick of tradition a new way to still be a part of the Christmas spirit. Carpenter’s song, “is it new years yet?” even pokes fun at the annoyances of the holiday season. In one line, she sings, “the songs are catchy, but they’re overplayed,” which perfectly embodies everything my personal critics have been telling me. This song feels pragmatic and provides a more realistic approach to what this time of year can really be like, whether that be dealing with difficult relatives or the pressure of having the “perfect holiday.” Overall, it steps away from the cookie-cutter formula of most Christmas tunes.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Christmas Album, Fruitcake
Personally, I love Christmas music, and it truly gets me in the holiday spirit. It’s nostalgic, and there’s something comforting about the consistency and familiarity that makes everything feel like it’s going to be alright. Young adults often yearn for the Christmases of their childhood, and I believe listening to the same songs year after year is a way to reconnect with those worry-free days.
