After all the turkey is cleared from the table and the tryptophan has kicked in, it seems like the holiday music just suddenly appears.
In stores, television commercials, the dining halls: there seems to be no escape. For some people that’s a bad thing, but for me, the more the merrier.
I have always loved the holiday season. Getting to spend time with family and celebrate traditions are some of my favorite things to do during the season. However, as time has passed, many family traditions have changed. Family members who used to host holidays no longer do, and the time of waking up to find gifts from Santa is gone. But one thing has always remained a constant holiday consistency: the Christmas music.
The sound of perfectly produced sleigh bells ringing behind sultry crooners’ voices is something I admittedly get overly-excited for. Thinking about waking up with a snowy view early in the morning, complemented by the sound of the cheery melodies and lounging around the house with my cats just brings good memories. So what’s with the holiday music hate? What is it about these tunes that drives so many people mad?
Realistically, these songs are only played for about a month or so before they fall into the music library abyss for another year, eager to bust out the second December rolls around. And when they come out for their 15 seconds of fame, anybody can sing along. These songs are a universal tradition that can spread holiday cheer pretty much anywhere. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love hearing “Jingle Bell Rock” and instantly thinking of Mean Girls or hearing “The Little Drummer Boy” and thinking of Angela’s karaoke rendition on The Office.
Now I know 400 words isn’t going to be enough to convince you that your years of holiday music hatred should be pushed aside, but just consider this: holiday music ultimately brings people together. The music can be sung in any language around the world. Winter can be a rough time for some, dealing with the bitter cold and the shorter days. As a way to spread holiday cheer and bring people together, consider turning on some holiday tunes the next time you get the opportunity.
If you really can’t stand the music, just remember that you’ve only got less than a month until the music is gone again. So power through the holiday cheer, you may change your mind.