(Opinion) Three Reasons Christmas Music Starts in November

By Jonathan Kaplan

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are getting ready for the holiday. Others are already getting ready for the holidays in December. I happen to be in the second category. In fact, I’ve been listening to Christmas music since I got up the morning of November 1st. On that note: let me be the first to wish you happy holidays, no matter how you celebrate the season.

I’m a firm believer that the holiday season begins right as the clock strikes midnight after Halloween. It’s been a tradition of mine for many years at this point. However, there are many people who say that November 1st is too early. And to those people, I have to respectfully disagree. Here’s why:

Reason #3: Thanksgiving is just Christmas Lite

Think about it for a second. Both holidays involve big feasts, traditionally held amongst family members. What Thanksgiving lacks is gift-giving, decorations, and honestly, the warm cozy vibe. Sure, some of the food might be different, but a lot of it can be seen on both holidays’ tables. For example, some people may enjoy turkey on Christmas. Also, have you ever heard a Thanksgiving song? I don’t think so. Plenty of stuff for Halloween and a lot for Christmas. Why not play Christmas music if it’s not overtaking another seasonal genre?

Reason #2: It’s already getting cold outside

Have you been out on campus recently? It’s been cold! Perfect weather to start listening to holiday tunes if you ask me. Christmas music just sets the vibe for winter weather. It feels like mother nature might be listening to my arguments. In fact, I’ve already pulled out my winter jacket plenty of times already this season, and I’m sure it’s the same for many of you at home. Keyword: winter! It’s not a fall jacket, it’s a full blown winter one.

Reason #1: It makes me (and others) happy

And is that not a good enough reason? Christmas music brings joy to a lot of people. Why should any of us deprive ourselves from something that puts a smile on our faces, especially with all the bad stuff going on in the world. And that’s the message I want to leave you with: do whatever makes you happy. Whether that be listening to holiday music as early as November 1st, or you prefer starting later or not at all, do what you want when you want to. And don’t be judgemental of others who have a different preference from yours. As for me, I’ll continue jamming to those holiday tunes through the end of the year.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the writer and are not necessarily those of WMSC, Montclair State University, or any of their affiliates.