As odd and joyful as it may seem, we have bid farewell to fall semester. Now, we are preparing to give a quick “hi and goodbye” to finals week (I know I am). During study sessions we like to cuddle up with friends and peers in study lounges, stock up on snacks and fill up our Student Government Sustainability water bottles every other hour, and laugh at the amount of information that is scattered across our computers and notebook paper.
Who needs #thestruggle? As I knocked out assignments over the past few weeks, I discovered a miracle-worker that is the gift that keeps on giving. Once December 1st hit, I downloaded the Christmas Station on Pandora and I was immediately injected with warm feelings and joy. I did not mind listening to five different versions of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The voices of Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey, and Dean Martin are so memorizing that I fought through papers and projects with ease.
For all you Christmas music enthusiasts, check into Pandora. Tune out the external noise (rowdy neighbors, weather) and plug into the magical world of holiday music.
Consider these 3 merry stations…
1. Christmas Radio
Oh, ho, ho, ho, this is the go-to station. Embrace the holiday season with tunes from big time favorites including the charming Michael Bublé, powerhouse Mariah Carey, suave Frank Sinatra and even artists from the NOW Christmas soundtrack. The opening keys to Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” never get old and the baritone voices of Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby are moving and relaxing. After listening to the poppy tunes, you’re fingers will start mimicking the rhythm of “Here Comes Santa Claus” and ultimately dance off the keyboard. What’s not to love? On the Christmas Radio, there is something for “all and every one” to enjoy!
2. Classical Christmas
If you work better with non-lyrical music, The Classical Christmas station is golden. As you gaze over one chapter to the next, ease the mind and the body while listening to a beautiful “O Come Ye Faithful” by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The major crescendos will push you to find the remaining words to the last sentence of your review guide or help you work through a heavy quantum physics problem. This station is a joy to the world because a wide range of music groups comes together to play, such as the Canadian Brass and The Philadelphia and Prague Orchestras. The “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” song from “The Nutcracker” gets you in a suspenseful mood that fits well with scavenging for old notes or researching bookmarks in your History. Orchestras put the “class” in classical.
3. Country Christmas
If you wish to have a study with a little more funk, The Country Christmas station presents holiday tunes with a good ‘ol step and clap vibe. As you skip through the station, you’ll come across Brad Paisley’s “Silver Bells” with a hint of his iconic electric guitar, a lovely “O Holy Night” sung by the wonderful trio of Lady Antebellum, and festive numbers by Blake Shelton, Faith Hill, and Reba. As you review note cards, kick back and relax with Country stars!
Any one of the three stations will get you into the Christmas Spirit and hopefully put you out of your finals misery.
Even if you’re feeling doubtful about your exams, just remember the musical words of Josh Groban: “You have everything you need/If you just believe!”