As sure as the moon and the tides and the mountains and the planets spinning around the sun, every year, right around the start of November, a debate over when to turn on the holiday playlist begins.
Some argue that Christmas music should be exclusive to December, escalating as Christmas approaches. Some argue that as soon as the temperature dips downward and sweater weather takes hold (depending on where you live, of course), the time is right for the dulcet tones of Nat King Cole and Dean Martin. Some people hate Christmas music no matter when and never want to hear it (and they’ll probably let you know). Finally, there are the rare few with no opinion, who choose to remain unbothered.
Wherever you land on this limited spectrum, it’s worth scratching beneath the surface and asking what’s really happening with annual “discussions” about Christmas music. And it’s impossible to do that without talking about nostalgia.
Nostalgia comes from two Greek words, the first being nostos, which means to return home and algos, which simply mean pain. It’s where we derive the term “homesickness.” For many people, Christmas music brings this sort of homesickness—or painful longing. It’s full of memories of home, family, comfort, safety, and all sorts of other cozy feelings. There’s a peace that comes from sitting inside these feelings, wrapping them around us like a warm blanket. This is part of the reason why old Christmas music is so popular; it’s why we listen to Vince Guaraldi Trio and Brenda Lee or even Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé every year.
Of course, not everyone feels nostalgia when they hear Christmas music. Sometimes the music can be tied to bad memories. Sometimes people just don’t like hearing the same music every year.
We won’t solve the debate of when to begin listening to Christmas music, but we will highlight the uniqueness of the cultural moment. Once a year, everyone listens to similar music; music that often turns its focus toward the arrival of a savior, a promise of peace and goodwill toward all mankind.
Maybe it’s an overly optimistic conclusion (and a little dramatic), but it’s almost like, every year around Christmas, we all become the shepherds in the field, listening to the host of angels declaring “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Some might ignore what the song is about and head home, never thinking about the arrival of the savior of the world at Christmas. But others might follow where the song leads, and get to experience the God who arrived as a baby, lying in a manger.
Conversation Starter: What is your favorite Christmas song, and why?