It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s time for the best holiday seasons of giving, the most delicious food and sweet family time. More importantly, it is time for Christmas music.
If you are wondering, yes. I am that person. When the clock strikes 12:00 a.m. on Nov. 1, my music library turns jolly and fills with the sounds of sleigh bells, children singing and the Ho, Ho, Ho of Santa Claus. My radio station changes from easy listening to non-stop Christmas. I am a proud listener of Christmas music.
The problem is, most people don’t think it is acceptable to listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. The right time for the holiday genre has been much debated on social media, most recently on my personal timeline.
I posted a status on Halloween night saying, “T-minus two hours until I can start playing Christmas music!” This post ushered in an intense debate amongst my family and friends as they argued for the dates they think it is okay to start listening to Christmas music. As I was scrolling down later, reading everyone’s specific opinions, I was left wondering why their opinions should affect my reasons for listening to Christmas music when I decide to do so.
Now I know what you want to ask me.
“Isn’t it too early for Christmas music?”
“Do you totally hate Thanksgiving?”
“Doesn’t it get annoying?”
For all of these questions I say, no.
Though I can understand the arguments, I can’t help but wonder why there is so much controversy in the first place. Why should it matter what time you decide to listen to Christmas music if it gives you some kind of fulfillment?
I personally think it’s never too early to get into the spirit of the holidays. Christmas music reminds me of my family. It reminds me of laughter in the car on my way to go Christmas shopping. It reminds me of the last holiday season spent with my dear family members who have since passed away. This is why I love Christmas music.
Just because someone likes to listen to Christmas music earlier than what is deemed normal, doesn’t mean they hate Thanksgiving. I hate that some people assume that just because you love Christmas music you don’t appreciate Thanksgiving. I appreciate Thanksgiving the same amount as I do Christmas. Christmas music prepares me for both holidays.
The tensions rise when people bring up the commercialization of Christmas. Malls start playing Christmas music on Nov. 1 to make money from Christmas shopping. Black Friday is slowly taking over Thanksgiving and people associate these things with the sounds of the wonderful classics of the holidays. The question is, should you blame the people who love Christmas music for the commercialization of Christmas? No, no you shouldn’t.
Let the marketers commercialize Christmas. Let people start shopping whenever they want. Let people put up their trees and lights. Let people listen to Christmas music whenever they want. Do not police people for the things that make them happy. Trust me, Christmas music makes people happy.
Julie Ainsley
jmainsley@vwc.edu
