Ryan Wu

While Christmas music puts people into a merry mood, is there a right time to listen to it? Some believe that Christmas music is only for the Christmas season while others believe that Christmas music is a delight to be enjoyed year round. “I start listening to Christmas music when the radio stations start playing it, but people who listen to Christmas music early are crazy and I am afraid of them,” Ian Ting (11) said.

For some, the jingle of sleigh bells and the angelic singing of Mariah Carey are a source of comfort and joy that transcends the calendar. However, this early indulgence isn’t universally celebrated, often prompting eye rolls and exasperated sighs from those who prefer a more measured approach to holiday melodies.

Many people, students and teachers alike, firmly draw a line in the snow about when Christmas music should be listened to. 

“I personally believe that any time before December 1 or after December 31 is unreasonable,” Ian Ting (11) said. “Christmas music should only be listened to during December because it doesn’t make sense to start listening to Christmas music in early November as there’s a whole holiday in between.” 

Listening to Christmas music too early could ruin the tradition and cause the charm of the music to diminish.

“It drives me crazy. I do not want to hear Christmas music in October or the beginning of November,” AP Literature teacher Mrs. Laura Grissom said. “I love Christmas music, but they’re ruining it if they play it before Thanksgiving.” 

Michelle Choi (12) disagrees completely and has started listening to Christmas music as early as September. For her, the early infusion of Christmas spirit is not just about celebrating a season, but finding solace in the nostalgic tunes that evoke warmth and tranquility. 

“I started listening to Christmas music in September because it is de-stressing and it brings me comfort. The songs are very old-style and vintage so they are very calming to listen to,” Choi said.

On one hand, there’s the belief that adhering to a strict calendar preserves the magic of each holiday. On the other, there’s an acknowledgment that, for some, the early embrace of Christmas tunes is a good way to shake off the stress and chaos of everyday life.

The undeniable truth is that Christmas music has a unique ability to evoke strong emotions, whether it’s joy, annoyance, or a blend of both. Those who adorn their surroundings with festive melodies argue that listening to Christmas songs early amplifies their holiday cheer, transforming mundane moments into festive celebrations. However, they must also navigate the delicate balance of spreading cheer without becoming a seasonal nuisance to those who prefer the magic of hearing Christmas music, once a year.