Winter has just begun, and nothing puts one in the spirit like holiday music. Whether it’s a sing-a-long with the family at home, overhead in the line at Starbucks, or circulating through Nordstrom, the music can add festivity and nostalgia to the end of the year.
David Martin, Aragon’s orchestra and choir teacher says, “Holiday music, specifically the song White Christmas, reminds me of decorating the Christmas tree with my family, singing along and drinking cider.” Aragon Band teacher Troy Davis feels that “holiday music makes the season complete.” He also contributed that “[his] favorite Christmas album, Merry Christmas, is Mariah Carey’s Christmas album.”
While the majority of the music played in stores or on the radio during the holidays is Christmas music, other holiday-related music is enjoyed by those who celebrate different holidays. Freshman Bryce Vaysberg says, “I listen to Jewish music during this time of year, such as songs like Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah and Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah song. Even though I’m Jewish, I find Christmas music in the mall festive and sometimes I even find myself singing along.” No matter what their religion, many people feel uplifted by the music and look forward to celebrating the New Year ahead.
Band student and freshman Lindsay Dobbs believes that “Most genres of music have Christmas albums out so everyone has a connection to it. As a jazz musician, I always enjoy listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra during the holidays. My favorite new Christmas album out is The Sing Off ’s Songs of the Season.”
The cheerful music we all hear regularly in stores has a substantial impact on business. Once the holiday season hits, stores begin to decorate their locations with green and red, filling the atmosphere with holiday songs. Vaysberg admits that “I wouldn’t buy anything solely because of the Christmas music consciously, but subconsciously the music affects your mood and buying habits.”
Music evokes a variety of emotions, and holiday music seeks to evoke nostalgia and positive feelings. People enjoy holiday music because it always reminds them of family. For many, holiday music completes the season.
