Now that October, and along with it, Halloween season has concluded, it’s time for the rest of the holiday season to continue. Every year, November is a highly controversial month in terms of what holidays are appropriate to celebrate during this time. For many Americans, the next major holiday on their calendars is Thanksgiving. However, we all know that December’s Christmas tends to be the shining centerpiece of the holiday season. November 2019, in particular, seems to be an extremely tense time for the folks who adamantly demand that no one shall celebrate Christmas prior to Thanksgiving, and the ones who don’t mind starting early on Christmas. The controversy this topic always stirs up has really caught my attention this year, as I found myself in the debate. Already this year, I’ve gotten into several arguments with multiple different people on why I shouldn’t be listening to Christmas music now.
I love Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I love and appreciate Thanksgiving fully, but there’s just something really uplifting about the Christmas season. Christmas rolls around when school is getting in deep waters. It’s a much-needed break for many people, and it’s typically something to look forward to (all those days without school just seem magical themselves). Additionally, how much can you really celebrate Thanksgiving? I give Thanksgiving my full appreciation on its day, but there’s just no hype in the build-up to this holiday like there is with Christmas. Cranberry sauce and the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special all have a special place in my heart, but it’s really only enough to last one day of celebrating.
For me, every year I find it harder to get into the Christmas spirit. 25 days of December and maybe the last few days of November has just proven that it is not enough time for me to really feel the spirit of Christmas. By the time Christmas Eve and Day rolls around, it doesn't even feel like Christmas. As busy high school students, I’m sure most can agree that it’s hard to find time for enjoying the little things. However, listening to Christmas music is such an easy way to get into this holiday feeling. So why not start a little early?
Many of my friends are firm believers that Christmas music has no place in November. However, I still stand firm that I, and others, should be able to listen to our holiday jams when it feels right to do so. These debates have made me think quite a bit about why such a topic as silly as Christmas music can become as controversial as it gets. If something makes you happy, why not enjoy it? Even if someone else finds joy out of something you don’t, it doesn't make their enjoyment wrong or invalid. No matter how many arguments my friends and I may get into over my Christmas music habits, I will still enjoy my holiday season as I see fit.
When do you start listening to Christmas music, if at all?
I love Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I love and appreciate Thanksgiving fully, but there’s just something really uplifting about the Christmas season. Christmas rolls around when school is getting in deep waters. It’s a much-needed break for many people, and it’s typically something to look forward to (all those days without school just seem magical themselves). Additionally, how much can you really celebrate Thanksgiving? I give Thanksgiving my full appreciation on its day, but there’s just no hype in the build-up to this holiday like there is with Christmas. Cranberry sauce and the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special all have a special place in my heart, but it’s really only enough to last one day of celebrating.
For me, every year I find it harder to get into the Christmas spirit. 25 days of December and maybe the last few days of November has just proven that it is not enough time for me to really feel the spirit of Christmas. By the time Christmas Eve and Day rolls around, it doesn't even feel like Christmas. As busy high school students, I’m sure most can agree that it’s hard to find time for enjoying the little things. However, listening to Christmas music is such an easy way to get into this holiday feeling. So why not start a little early?
Many of my friends are firm believers that Christmas music has no place in November. However, I still stand firm that I, and others, should be able to listen to our holiday jams when it feels right to do so. These debates have made me think quite a bit about why such a topic as silly as Christmas music can become as controversial as it gets. If something makes you happy, why not enjoy it? Even if someone else finds joy out of something you don’t, it doesn't make their enjoyment wrong or invalid. No matter how many arguments my friends and I may get into over my Christmas music habits, I will still enjoy my holiday season as I see fit.
When do you start listening to Christmas music, if at all?
You made a very interesting point about listening to Christmas music that I haven't really thought about before when you said that it is one of the few remaining ways we are able to enjoy the holidays and give ourselves joy as it becomes harder to find throughout the years. As sad as it is, I notice Christmas becomes less fun and more like another average day. I really miss how easily happy I got from the lights, movies, trees, decorations, and, of course, the music. As we are forced to grow up and quickly move into adulthood, there is rarely any time for basking in Christmas spirit anymore. However, Christmas music is an easy and enjoyable way of keeping yourself happy and reminds you that Christmas is the same holiday as when you were 8 years old. If it only makes people happy, what does it matter whether people listen to it on December 25th or September 30th?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you guys. I don't necessarily start early, but I fully say if it makes you happy, do it! I think you, Gianna, really hit on the crux of it when you said "Even if someone else finds joy out of something you don’t, it doesn't make their enjoyment wrong or invalid. I hate the fact that our culture feels the need to tell everyone else what to do or think or celebrate, especially regarding harmless things that really do not affect anyone except themselves; to be honest, I think the internet is what really exacerbates this. You're righ that participating in Christmas activities is just a way of immersing yourself in feel-good joy of the season. Why do some people object to other's joy? I personally think the correct term for those people is "Scrooge."
ReplyDeleteI think the real issue with Christmas music is not about Christmas spirit, but rather that there's not that many good Christmas songs. If I start listening to them too early, I end up getting bored of hearing the same few songs on loop and they become more annoying than festive. I have heard Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" about 300 times too many to enjoy anymore. Personally, I'll wait until December 1, but you do you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point. I try to keep it in moderation because, like you said, a Christmas playlist can really only be so long before it all just feels forced.
DeleteSee, I have had my Christmas Decorations up since the day after Halloween. I am a die hard Christmas enthusiast. I have been listening to Christmas Music for the past two months, and I have been teased for it multiple times. I agree with you Gianna and Mrs. Jameson.. just because someone finds joy in something you do not it doesn't make them wrong. People try to make an acceptable time for one to start celebrating but I say start celebrating whenever and for however long you want. Christmas is a magical time of year and many love the joy it brings. I know I do.
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