The Debate Over Christmas Music: Too Much of a Good Thing?
As the holiday season approaches, many listeners find themselves surrounded by familiar tunes on radio stations. Christmas songs have become such a staple of the season that some might argue they are played to the point of ad nauseam. Whether you're sick of the same old songs or you enjoy the holiday music, this article explores the debate over whether Christmas music gets overplayed.
The Continual Presence of Christmas Songs
Many stations start playing Christmas songs as early as November, with bands like Band Aid, Kirsty McColl, East 17, Cliff Richard, and Shakin Stevens
Has This Been a Repeated Issue? In years past, listeners have complained and switched stations to find a different playlist. However, many found themselves switching back since these stations continued to play them well into early January. Others, like the author, have given up and just listen to the endless cycle of familiar songs.
Perceptions of Overplaying Christmas Music
Some argue that Christmas music is not overplayed. In fact, the author believes that they have not heard enough Christmas music this holiday season. They emphasize that Christmas comes only once a year and should be celebrated with as much music as possible.
Christmas Carols as a Cultural Tradition: The issue isn’t limited to popular Christmas songs; it extends to traditional carols as well. While there are thousands of old carols, a hardcore group of around 20 songs are most commonly heard. Another 30 carols are heard less frequently, but even they are hard to come by outside of these core songs.
Persuading People to Explore Beyond the Core: The author observes that persuading people to sing carols outside this core group is challenging. This is particularly true during the holiday season when people are triggered by their own childhood experiences. The comfort and familiarity of these songs are difficult to escape from.
Compromise and Enjoyment Despite Overplaying
While some grumble about overplayed Christmas music, the author acknowledges that these songs are enjoyed by the vast majority of people. For many, like the author, who is an atheist, Christmas holds significant meaning. They look forward to attending a family meal on Christmas Day, making it a huge annual event.
Personal Defense Against Overplayed Music: To cope with the overplaying of Christmas music, the author often loads their mp3 player with a variety of songs and listens to them in stores or other public places. This allows them to enjoy music they prefer, even if it means avoiding the radio altogether.
Conclusion: Whether you love or hate Christmas music, the holiday season brings a wealth of familiar tunes. While the debate over overplaying continues, it's clear that these songs hold a special place in the heart of many people, making it a cherished and beloved tradition.