As the festive season approaches, the air fills with familiar sounds of Christmas music, creating a soundtrack for holiday gatherings and celebrations. From timeless classics to modern hits, this year’s musical landscape is rich and varied, displaying diversity in what resonates with GCSU students as they curate their holiday playlists.
The infectious cheer of Christmas music is often reflected in the Billboard charts, making room for classic tunes and contemporary releases alike to dominate the airwaves and sales, reshaping the musical landscape every December.
“There’s a reason that listeners seem to get more impatient every year for the Christmas music season to start: Nothing else feels quite like it,” Billboard said in an article. “The things that make Christmas songs great — whether carols, old pop standards or newer enduring hits—are most of the same things that make pop great in general: emotional connection, universal relatability, unshakable catchiness.”
Taking a look into the intersection of music and holiday spirit, it becomes essential to examine how these melodies not only evoke nostalgia but also foster connections among friends and family during this special time of year.
“I feel like classic Christmas music includes the older songs, like Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra and songs sung in old Christmas movies,” said Karsyn Jewell, a senior mass communication major. “They are nostalgic and make a person feel cozy.”
The nostalgic feel of a song around the holidays can capture the essence of the holiday cheer – a mood we all want to be in when studying for exams and the exams themselves are around the corner. Holiday classics are special for keeping traditions during this time.
“I think the traditional music from the 50s-60s really reminds me of a classic Christmas,” said Callie Paulk, a freshman psychology major. “Like Bing Crosby is a staple of Christmas to me. My go-to Christmas song is probably ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ by Judy Garland from the movie ‘Meet Me In St. Louis.’ I know this is a hot take, however, my least favorite Christmas song that is overplayed is Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You.’ It’s a fantastic song, but I hear it too often.”
The downfall of a holiday classic becomes the overplayed nature of a song. Social media helps the spread of old and new holiday music with the latest trends, videos and influences.
“I definitely feel that social media has an influence on what Christmas songs are trending because it’s through media that songs gain popularity, especially for a lot of current-age artists who are making Christmas singles,” said Rayna Schneider, a freshman MIS major.
Whether you excitedly anticipate holiday music around Christmas time or secretly dread a song on constant repeat, it becomes clear that music serves as a powerful connector, uniting individuals through shared experiences and cherished memories. Thus, whether one prefers timeless classics or the latest holiday hits, there is no denying that these melodies create an ambiance that enhances celebrations and brings people closer together during this magical season.
