It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, a familiar, cheerful, and inescapable soundtrack arrives. Songs like “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and albums such as Michael Bublé’s Christmas are among the festive favorites that are played everywhere from radio stations to malls at this time of year. The festive musical tradition has created a divide: some people love it, and some hate it. Even among the Hopkins community, students and faculty have differing opinions on holiday music.

Though associated with a happy time of year, some people believe that holiday music is overplayed, and may even be annoying. Avery Kinney ’28 said “It's the same Christmas songs [played] over and over and over again,” especially since some people start playing holiday songs “around October, which [she] thinks is too early.” Carrie Lam ’27 agreed, saying it can sometimes feel like “the same three songs playing, [which is] just annoying.” The circumstance in which a song is played may irritate listeners: “[Christmas music] is annoying if it’s [played] in a setting that’s not really meant for Christmas or holidays,” explained Lilo Gaul ’28. For others, their own mood determines whether or not a holiday song is tolerable. Christmas songs are only enjoyable for Lora Kenyon ’28 “if [she’s] in the Christmas spirit or celebrating Christmas.” She believes that Christmas songs should only be played “within a week of Christmas,” or else they become “a little tacky.”

Additionally, some people find the constant playing of Christmas songs to be exclusive to those who do not celebrate the holiday or believe in the religious aspect of it. Gaul, who celebrates Christmas with her extended family but does not partake in the religious aspect of it, believes “religious Christmas songs should not be played in some places” because “it can be insensitive to people who don’t celebrate Christmas.” Instead, she prefers songs “about  winter, [which] aren’t necessarily…Christmas songs.” 

For many, festive music is an important and vital part of their holiday experience. Kenyon shared that “songs are an important part of Christmas for [her]” because they “contribute to a good, festive atmosphere.” Erika Schroth, the Director of Choral Music, agrees, saying that music is “super important” for cultivating a holiday spirit. Others believe that Christmas and music are deeply connected. “I feel like [Christmas songs] are part of Christmas culture,” said Edward Helmy ’31.

Music also contributes to a sense of connection with others who observe the holiday. Kinney is a “huge music enthusiast,” so “music is always an important part of any holiday.” Since many people know holiday music, she feels “like it’s something we can all connect on.” Lam describes the importance of music in the context of holiday celebrations: “it makes everyone [feel] excited about the holiday season.”

Holiday songs are also connected to many valuable traditions, making them even more special. For Schroth, festive songs are a part of a fun family tradition: “In my house… the day after Thanksgiving, we put on some of our favorite [holiday songs], and it… launches the [holiday] season.” That tradition eventually “became dear to [her].” Kenyon shared a tradition of her own that makes the holidays a special time: “I sing [festive] songs with my family, which is fun even though we’re not trying to sound good.”

Whether you love it or hate it, Christmas music is now taking over the soundtrack of the season. Schroth sums up the importance of music in celebrations: “From the simple singing of a happy birthday song to dancing at a wedding…to singing around a campfire…passing down traditions [through music] is… important.”