As we approach the beginning of the holiday season, it’s not uncommon for you to see sweater-wearing girls throwing up fairy lights around their dorm room and by their window, or people in their dorms and apartments displaying festive images on their whiteboards and outside of their doors. As our breath becomes more visible and our noses and cheeks more red, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that the holiday season is upon us, spreading cheer throughout the world. That is, until you hear the inevitable phrase that comes out of some old croaker’s mouth at this time of year every year; a phrase known so well to every jolly partaker.
“YOU CaN’T liSteN to chRIStmaS mUsic! It’S NoT eveN ThANKsGIVing!”
Intended to tear those happier than them down, trolls across the world emerge from their hibernation solely to mock those who find joy in the festive spirit. But why does it bother them so much? The commercialization of Christmas, playing a role in just about every single store and commercial from Halloween until New Year’s Day, plays a large role, and is understandably annoying, especially to those who find Christmas less than enjoyable. But when one listens to Christmas music, whether in their car, or with headphones in, or merely just singing along to the radio station (one that’s already playing Christmas music, so why don’t we just listen anyway?), it really shouldn’t bother that many other people. So I come to defend.
Christmas music is scientifically proven to make up about 96% of the best music of all time. It covers a range of everything from Oldies classics, modern pop ballads, love songs, heartbreak songs, bluesy tunes, acapella covers, originals and so much more. The fact that “Christmas Music” is considered its own, extensive genre is an accomplishment in itself. And the fact that this category is so extensive and loved across the globe seems to beg the question: why are we only allowed to listen to it for 8.3% of each year?
Let’s all just agree on one thing. Christmas is short. Yeah, it seems to last a long time when all of December you pass by Christmas trees and walk under mistletoe everytime you enter a new room, but the reality is that December goes by fast. There you are, having a holly, jolly time, eating candy canes and building gingerbread houses until –WHAM. The seasonal depression brought on the the cold, snowy, fairy light-less months that follow the new year hits you harder than an icy snowball. And although this article is meant to defend the listening of Christmas music, there’s no way anybody in their right mind would consider listening to Christmas music after Christmas. Not in a million years. 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?
Another point to be made is that not every Christmas song is technically a “seasonal” song that can only be justifiably listened to one month a year. Christians who celebrate the holiday religiously, rather than commercially or just for fun, listen to songs like “Do You Hear What I Hear” or “O Holy Night” and can attest that these songs make no specific mention of Christmas, the holiday season, or even snow. They’re simply songs used to praise the birth of Christ (which just so happens to be on Christmas Day) and they easily become everyday songs that can be listened to year round.
So whether you’re listening to “All I Want For Christmas Is You (Extra Festive), “Carol of the Bells” or “Away in a Manger”, just remember that you are completely valid in listening to this glorious music category, even though it’s the second week of November, 50 degrees and sunny outside.
2 Comments
Good job Rory
I love everything about this article.