Home » Opinion » Two-Player Tuesday: Christmas Music

Two-Player Tuesday: Christmas Music

Christmas is my favourite day of the year.

But let’s be serious, it really isn’t about the actual day itself. It’s about the build up, the spirit, the positive energy that’s associated with the season.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that the holiday season is a construction of the Western world, driven by the consumer market. But, really, does anyone actually care?

My fellow editor Amber Garratt does. She is, essentially, the Grinch. She’ll try to convince you that holiday music should be reserved for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only. But I don’t see the fun in that.

Everyone knows that Christmas is about more than just the day itself — it’s  a series of events — a celebration. The music just goes along with the festivities.

The first of November is an exciting day — the Halloween decorations go down and there is immediately something else to look forward to. Yes, it’s a bit early, but if we reserve music for Christmas Day, it would be pointless.

We should embrace this time of year, not dread it.  November and December is a stressful time, especially for students. Adding some light-hearted holiday music in the mix of exams and essays works to relieve stress.

You might be thinking that the sound of Christmas music is just a reminder of how much there is to do before you head home, adding more stress and anxiety to your life.  That shouldn’t be the case. Instead, it can be a great way to prompt you to get ahead of the game and to avoid that last–minute shopping.

Sure, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but not all holiday music is directly related.

But when it comes down to it, it’s a personal thing. Some people just don’t like hearing Christmas music in November, and nothing I say will convince them otherwise.

But take it for what it is. So what if retailers use the holiday season as a tactic to make money?  Don’t be afraid to whip out those Christmas albums early. I know deep down, you secretly want to.

—Nicole Gibillini

It’s Nov. 16 and I’m already being bombarded with Christmas music.

I don’t understand why people feel the need to celebrate a daylong holiday for over a month. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — just not the month and a half of festivities that lead up to it.

I walked into Walmart the first weekend of November and they already had their Christmas tree and advent calendars set up as Christmas music played. There are 55 days between the start of November and Christmas Day, which means 55 days of Christmas music — kind of an overkill.

It makes more sense to celebrate Christmas during the week leading up to Dec. 25. I would rather be heavily bombarded with Christmas music and festivities for one week prior to Christmas than over a month and a half leading up to the day.

Beginning the Christmas festivities too early overshadows important holidays such as Remembrance Day or Hanukkah. Since retailers don’t see those holidays as a time of mass consumption like Christmas they overemphasize the Christmas music and shove the others out of sight.

Retailers use the month and a half leading up to Christmas as a time to remind consumers to begin their shopping even though there is plenty of time to do so. You’re not hearing Christmas music and being overwhelmed with decorations because stores are trying to be festive. You’re hearing and seeing it because being festive is really a tactic to persuade customers to consume.

Don’t be misled — I don’t hate Christmas. I would just prefer to enjoy Christmas music in moderation during the several days leading up to Dec. 25 and not for 55 days prior to Christmas.

—Amber Garratt

Follow the Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.