The holiday season has brought many students with comfort and joy when it comes to its music. Holiday songs continue to play a major role in shaping traditions surrounding the holidays, building excitement for students. For senior Mariana Farias, holiday music helps to build the comfort and warmth that comes along with the holiday season.
“I feel like the music gets me in that cozy feeling of Christmas. A lot of the songs are a bit silly but there are also songs that express what Christmas is about. It just puts me in that Christmas spirit,” Farias said.
To many students, part of the appeal of holiday music comes from how easily it is embedded into day-to-day routines. The repetition, familiarity and catchy melodies allow the music to become a constant presence throughout the season. For students like senior Mason Markham, holiday music helps to keep the excitement of the holiday approaching even when at school.
“I think because Christmas songs are so catchy and singable, you end up singing them nonstop which just reminds me of the holidays. It also gets me in the holiday spirit because it feels like a countdown of getting to see my family and it slowly builds the excitement,” Markham said.
For others, holiday music helps to carry a strong connection to childhood traditions. Typically holiday music helps to hold emotional weight, reminding students of festive rituals, family gatherings and moments of joy that happened this time of year many years ago. Having those reminders help students remember the joy of the holidays even when they are in school.
“A specific memory I have of holiday music is when my cousins and I would sing Feliz Navidad when we were little in order to open our gifts. We would dance and sing along if we wanted to open presents,” Farias said.
As the school year intensifies to finals, the hardest time of year, many students like Markham rely on holiday music as a source of relief and motivation to push through their constant educational struggles. The familiar sounds such as bell and flute sounds within these songs offer an escape from academic pressure, serving as a reminder of how the holidays are right around the corner.
“As a student in high school, this is one of the most stressful times of the year and having a reminder that we are close to the end gives me the excitement for the holidays which is important. Having that constant reminder that we are close to the fun part of the year is the best reminder,” Markham said.
Beyond personal memories, holiday music also plays a major role when it comes to shaping larger cultural experiences throughout the season. According to junior William Tobitt, the repetitiveness of holiday music becomes part of a shared atmosphere that helps define the winter season.
“Christmas music gets me in the spirit because it largely reflects the reason why so many people like the holiday season, as the music is usually warm and familiar. Every retail store in America tends to play Christmas music nonstop, so I think artists decide to capitalize that opportunity,” Tobitt said.
The emotional impact of holiday music lies in its ability to lift spirits and create a sense of comfort. Even students who might be feeling overwhelmed or tired towards the end of the semester can find that cheerful melodies help to bring back a sense of warmth and excitement.
“I think the point of Christmas music is to get people into that Christmas mood and to get the audience to feel very homey and the jolly Christmas feeling. It has such an impact if you are feeling like a “Grinch”, Christmas music gets you into a good mood,” Farias said.
Having a favorite song or a memorable song can also shape how students connect to the winter season, often becoming tied to specific memories or traditions. These tracks help stand out for more than their sound but rather their emotions and experiences that have come with them.
“My favorite holiday song is Christmas Baby Please Come Home by Darlene Love because it’s very light and festive, and the best song in my opinion. I think most of my memories come from it,” Tobitt said.
For others, the connection to holiday music comes from performing it themselves. Learning or practicing seasonal songs often create strong memories that stay with students like Markham far after their childhood, deepening the appreciation of holiday music.
“When I was little I played the drums and I had to learn the drums for Jingle Bell Rock and I spent a lot of time working with the song and listening to it. I also just find the song really catchy and I love that feeling,” Markham said.
