I asked the question on social media as to when people start listening to Christmas music. I got a varied number of responses. Went from any time to after Halloween to after Thanksgiving to December to right before Christmas. And of course, it’s quite the polarizing question, since everyone is fervent in their opinion!
Growing up, we would always pull out the Christmas records (yes, I’m that old) the weekend after Thanksgiving as we decorated the house. Of course, singing in choirs, playing the organ and doing musical activities, I was working on Christmas music far earlier than that. I will be starting Christmas music with students in my studio in a week and a half. And I’ll probably start listening to Christmas music next week.
Isn’t it interesting, though, that Christmas is basically the only time of year where we have specific music for that season? You don’t hear “Easter music” in the collective spotlight. Maybe Halloween music a bit, but nothing to the extent of Christmas. I find it interesting because while Christmas music originated in the church, it became popular in the culture in the 20th century because of marketing. The surprising part of it is that with so many well-oiled marketing machines at work now, why isn’t another holiday or time of year have its own special music like Christmas? I think part of it is the nostalgia of getting together with family and friends, snuggling up by a warm fire, or whatever the tradition may be.
Whatever your tradition or reason for listening to Christmas music, it’s yours. Do it well and do it to make yourself happy!