I’m not a Scrooge or a Grinch, but it’s just too early to start listening to Christmas music. Halloween has just passed, so it’s criminal to start getting in the Christmas spirit already.
Rushing into Christmas music undermines the beauty of fall. The crisp air, the crunchy leaves on the ground, and a warm cup of cider deserve their time. November has a relaxed holiday atmosphere. As Thanksgiving approaches, you can unwind, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy some home-cooked meals. Maybe you’re watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a football game, or the National Dog Show. Aside from cooking, Thanksgiving is a low-pressure and relaxed kind of day. We should appreciate the holiday before jumping into the next.
The Christmas season exudes stress. There is pressure to have a picture-perfect holiday. There is so much planning and coordination that goes into making Christmas special. Christmas shopping can be overwhelming. It can be challenging to keep track of all the people you have to buy for while also trying to make the gift thoughtful. Listening to Christmas music too early will just heighten these worries and emotions. If you listen to Christmas music too early, it’s going to be a constant reminder of all things you need to accomplish.
Christmas music is something to look forward to, but the magic goes away when it’s overplayed. In December, Christmas music is inescapable. It’s playing on the radio and in every store. After a while, the same songs start to get repetitive. How many times can you listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” without getting sick of it? Saving Christmas music until after Thanksgiving gives you the perfect duration to get into the Christmas mood without it feeling mundane.
The more you listen to Christmas music, the more it will seem like background music. These songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Some songs can be reminiscent of childhood Christmases. I think the music is more powerful when it’s reserved for Christmas festivities. You can put on Christmas music while you’re decorating cookies, putting up the tree, wrapping presents, or looking at Christmas lights. The longer you wait to listen to Christmas music, the more meaningful it can become.
Christmas music is truly one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, but there is a time and a place for it. Christmas music can be super repetitive. The more you hold off on it, the greater appreciation you will have for it. I’m a proponent of Christmas music, but I don’t believe it should be rushed. Thanksgiving deserves its moment before jumping into the Christmas season.