Is It Time to Celebrate Christmas Early? The Debate Over Holiday Music and Traditions
Christmas is a beloved holiday, celebrated with joy and anticipation by many around the world. However, the intrusion of Christmas music into our daily lives long before the official start of the holiday season has sparked a lively debate. When should Christmas music and other holiday accoutrements begin? Should they be played at a certain date to preserve the special meaning of the holiday?
Early Christmas Music: A Divisive Topic
Many people, including myself, have a strong opinion on when Christmas music should be introduced in our lives. I definitely believe Christmas songs are played far too early, as evidenced by the fact that TV channels now typically hold off on broadcasting Christmas movies until October or September, rather than August.
This timing is an acknowledgment of different themes at play. For those celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, the holiday period starts on Christmas Eve and lasts for 12 days, culminating in the Feast of the Epiphany. This traditional period is observed by many, even though there's a significant portion of the population that doesn't understand this concept.
However, shopkeepers and businesses involved in preparing for the holiday season cannot begin their preparations during the actual holiday period. This presents a unique challenge: for stores that offer exclusively Christmas items—such as Christmas trees—what is the appropriate timing for playing Christmas music?
Should Christmas Music Start on Christmas Eve?
One viewpoint suggests that Christmas songs should be played at 11:55 PM on Christmas Eve. Beyond this time, the repetition can become intolerable. For instance, if someone has to hear Slade one more time, there's a risk of breaking the radio. Another viewpoint argues that Thanksgiving is a much better starting point for holiday music. Many countries celebrate Thanksgiving in late November, meaning that by the day after Thanksgiving, it is deemed to be the right time to start playing Christmas tunes. This delay not only helps people avoid being sick of Christmas by the time the real holiday arrives but also preserves the special meaning and significance of the celebration.
St. Nicholas and the Real Meaning of Christmas
It's worth considering the historical and spiritual significance behind Christmas traditions. St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and workers, inspired the tradition of Santa Claus. While modern celebrations often obscure this, it's important to remember his virtues and the positive impact he represented. On December 6th or 8th, which is Saint Nicholas's feast day, it would be fitting to start playing holiday music and movies. This date aligns with the specific traditions and commemorations related to St. Nicholas, ensuring that the Christmas spirit is maintained without getting lost in commercialization.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
The debate over when to start celebrating Christmas is complex and multifaceted. There are those who insist on waiting until the true start of the holiday season, while others believe in taking advantage of the commercial and cultural momentum generated by Thanksgiving and other events. Ultimately, finding a balance that respects traditional meanings while still allowing for a festive atmosphere is key.
What do you think? Should Christmas music begin at a specific time to preserve its special meaning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.