I am a little hesitant to say what I’m about to say because I know this post could cause some debate…but I’m just going to come right out with it. I don’t like Christmas music.
I know, I know….”gasp!”…right?
It wasn’t always this way. When I was younger I enjoyed “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as much as the next kid – and while it pains me to admit this and I’m sure my mom remembers full well…I spent many a home-school day dancing around the kitchen to our “Once Upon a Christmas” album by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers – specifically the song, “I’ll Be Home With Bells On”. I’m cringing right now, just know that. But at least it was an LP…that makes it a little bit more cool, right??
Okay…maybe not.
It’s not that I hate Christmas or am a Scrooge…it’s quite the opposite actually. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love everything about it. I actually don’t mind that every year, Christmas takes up a little more of the calendar for itself. I’m all for it. I just don’t like the music. This has been something more recent for me – as in, somewhere in the last 7-8 years I grew tired of hearing 50 different versions of “Frosty the Snowman”, 50 times a day, on 50 different television and radio stations, in stores and cafes, and on the lips of every person that passes by.
Most people have a strange reaction when they hear I don’t like Christmas music – and since I have friends that are already insisting on listening to it over a week before Thanksgiving, I have been pondering my dislike for it over the past few weeks. The conclusion that I have come to is this: I actually don’t mind the old Christmas hymns like “What Child Is This” and “Silent Night” – after all, these are the songs that truly portray Christmas. And although this isn’t actually a “Christmas” song per se, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is one of my favorite songs of all time. Not just for Christmas – of all time. The chords are so minory and delicious. For the record, I don’t think minory is a word – but I’m making it one and I know you totally know what I’m talking about.
Anyway – I guess this year I’m realizing that I should probably stop being negative about Christmas music(my family is probably shocked right now and are going to hold me to this like crazy). I just think…all things in moderation. Christmas music included.
And now for something positive. There is a Christmas album that I absolutely adore and for the past few years have worn out playing during the holiday season because it has really been the only album I’ve liked. Stephanie May and I went to see the band, The Swell Season, a few years ago in the Denver Opera House. Love them by the way.
Anyway, there was a young folksy boy from Nebraska named Joshua James who opened for them. I immediately fell in love with his style, his raw voice and simple yet enchanting music.
I bought three of his albums the next day – a Christmas album included. I have to admit – the ONLY reason I bought the Christmas album was because it had a Joshua James original on it entitled, “Winter Storm” that he had played at the show and…none other than “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”….LOVE! I guarantee, even for people who aren’t fans of Christmas music(if there are any more of those in the world besides me), this album is a Christmas MUST.
(Source, Source, Source, Source)
What are some of your favorite Christmas tunes that wouldn’t annoy someone like me? :)
*Side note – my sister and brother-in-law made me a mix CD last year entitled, “Christmas music that doesn’t suck”. It’s actually pretty good and I’ll need to dig it out in the next few weeks so that when I feel the need to listen to some Christmas music besides Joshua James, I don’t shove sharp pencils into my ears. A little harsh? Maybe. And maybe this whole non-negative thing is going to be harder than I thought.
Jenny Freyta
Nov 17, 2010 -
Love this post! I personally really like Christmas music- well most of it. I can’t stand the song Feliz Navidad- of all songs, it’s the WORST imo. But I would have to agree with you- O Come O Come Emmanuel is one of my favorites- I love the almost haunting quality it has, something you can’t shake after you’ve heard it, and don’t want to! I love it. Bebo Norman’s version of it is my current favorite. So beautiful. I also like Coventry Carol, O Holy Night, What Child is This, and We Three Kings.
MayDae » My turn, my turn! :: Fashion, Design, Decor
Nov 19, 2010 -
[…] JUST the music – and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, go here if you want to read my thoughts on Christmas jingles – but I am EXTREMELY excited about […]
Dessa
Nov 20, 2010 -
I can halfway agree here. I’m not the Christmas Music Scrooge that my little sister is, but I can’t listen to Christmas music or even watch many Christmas movies until after Thanksgiving because I get SO sick of them before Christmas (my FAV holiday in the world!) even comes around. I do agree that we’ve pigeon-holed ourselves into not being able to write any new and good Christmas music so it does get a little old to hear the same songs in different versions all the time. I enjoy Joshua James as well (Thanks to Dae;) and O Come, O Come Emmanuel is my fav too!! I do like It Took a Child to Save the World by Fred Hammond and Give Me a Star by Bebe Winans. What’s weird is that Thanksgiving hasn’t rolled around and I’m starting to crave listening to a few Christmas tunes right now. Hmmm…. I guess I’ll stop since I just invalidated what I’ve just said ;)
Jeanie
Nov 23, 2010 -
Shocking, Stormie Dae. Nothing for you in your Christmas stocking!