After Thanksgiving (and sometimes even Halloween) is over, people can expect to be bombarded in public by peppy elves, twinkling snowflakes, and wishes for a “Happy Holiday!” Of course, these are accompanied by the inevitable Christmas and winter tunes. Hillsdalians portray a variety of opinions on Christmas music—from those who declare that they hate it, to those who listen to it as a cure for homesickness, to those who play it on the kazoo to force students out of the science lab. Putting the more unusual opinions aside, the four students below are passionate about the correct timing of Christmas music…though they have very different views on the matter.
Dietrich Balsbaugh, freshman
When should Christmas music be played?
As soon as midnight hits on the night of Thanksgiving, you can turn on the Christmas music.
Why do you think so?
Putting on Christmas music before Thanksgiving symbolizes the dissolution of our society and the growth of American greed and consumerism. Thanksgiving is one of the greatest American holidays. It’s so looked over partly because of Christmas music. Thanksgiving is remembering what we’re thankful for, so it’s a preparation for Christmas, and when it’s properly observed it makes Christmas all the more joyous. (And, a lot of popular Christmas music deals with snow, which doesn’t make sense if it’s played too early.)
What’s your favorite Christmas music?
I can’t answer that. It’s before Thanksgiving.
For real, though, my favorite Christmas song is “In the Bleak Midwinter.”
Madeline Campbell, freshman
When should Christmas music be played?
It should not be played until the day after Thanksgiving, or November 25th if that comes first. I have sung Christmas music in August, but that was because I was starting to practice for a concert in December. If you have to hear Christmas music for a concert, you can start listening earlier, but that’s the only exception.
Why do you think so?
Early Christmas music overshadows Thanksgiving, which is its own holiday. Christmas music is only special in its proper season. And, if you think about it, most people play the same approximately twenty Christmas songs over and over, and you get so tired of them if you hear them for a protracted amount of time.
What’s your favorite Christmas music?
I rarely find a Christmas song I do not like. It’s not really a song you can sing, but “Carol of the Bells” is my favorite. Text-wise, I love “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Evan Willis, senior
When should Christmas music be played?
I think Christmas music should be played during Christmas—beginning the 25th of December and lasting until the 6th of January, which is Epiphany, the close of the Christmas season. We should play Advent music during Advent, the period before Christmas.
Why do you think so?
That time is the Christmas season as traditionally defined from the earliest time of Christianity, until the commercialization of Christmas decided to start the holiday a month early.
What’s your favorite Christmas music?
My favorite Christmas song is the “Boar’s Head Carol.” As for albums, my favorite is Eugene Sings! Christmas, or Nox Arcana’s Christmas albums, which tend to be good ones.
Emilia Heider, sophomore
When should Christmas music be played?
Anytime, but predominantly before Christmas, which means after Halloween. After Thanksgiving is a little late, but I know a lot of people who think that’s a good time to start. I do listen to Christmas music anytime I feel like it: in the summer and year-round.
Why do you think so?
Christmas carols are so beautiful, and there’s not really enough time to listen to them all right before Christmas.
What’s your favorite Christmas music?
She & Him is an indie band that has one of my favorite Christmas albums. Of course, I also love Frank Sinatra’s Christmas music and classics like that. I don’t like the modern pop Christmas music as much, but the Christmas hymns are beautiful, especially “Adeste Fideles.”