After being stuffed full of turkey and cranberry sauce, the verdict is here. It is now acceptable to listen to Christmas music. A family member turns on the speaker, only to be assaulted with a pop singer whistling the words of a classic Christmas carol. The song is immediately changed, to not kill grandpa early, and then comes on the soothing voice of Micheal Buble.
Mainstream pop entering into the realm of Christmas music has repercussions. Singers that mainly sing original songs that are bubblegum pop tend to ruin the classics that many people grew up listening to. Usually, the ruination of these songs is the result of trying to do too many high notes and extra flair. Part of the charm of Christmas songs is the music itself, and the words. When the singing overshadows the music and the words, that beloved charm seems to disappear. Jingle bells and violins have much more appeal than catchy beats do.
Classic Christmas songs like “Winter Wonderland” have such cheer. When you hear them, it’s automatically associated with Christmas. Normally, I’m fairly against ‘classics’ and the overuse of them, but classic Christmas songs have so much more charm than most modern ones do. I grew up on classic Christmas songs and caroling. Listening to these songs brings on nostalgia for going to church on Christmas Eve, driving around looking at the neighborhood lights, and decorating the house. To me, the main appeal of the Christmas season is the music and the vibe. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sleigh bells ringing.
As it is with everything, there are exceptions. Not all modern Christmas music is horrible and ruinous. For example, “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson is a great song. Its originality avoids ruining the classics, and it has a new kind of charm that isn’t seen in the classics, but still makes me think of Christmas. Another song I enjoy by a modern pop artist is “Man With a Bag” by Jessie J. It’s a very cheerful and fun Christmas song. To say all modern Christmas songs are bad would be wrong, but the overall pop-ification of Christmas songs needs to slow down and lose the capitalist goals.