For years there has been a division among all Americans that presents itself once Halloween ends; a division that brings about tears, conflict, and ruined friendships. Today, there are more opinions than ever on this topic, and the debate does not look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. So here’s the real question: to Christmas Music, or not to Christmas Music?
After interviewing several students at Indiana University, here are the two sides to the debate and their arguments for their choices. Take a look at what they both have to say and take your pick. Who do you side with?
Pro-Christmas Music
The Candidate:
People who are pro-Christmas Music are often extremely cheerful and sociable. They refer to Nov. 1 as Christmas 1, and believe that once the Halloween decorations come down, the Christmas ones should go up.
The Evidence:
“Christmas only comes once a year, and I want to be able to celebrate as much as possible. Christmas brings families and friends together to celebrate and bring happiness and optimism to the world. Christmas music brings cheer and gets us ready for the holiday. If I can have Christmas in July, why can't I have it in November? Also, what Thanksgiving songs are there? None. Christmas is the greatest." -Maggie Farwig, 18.
“Christmas music helps get celebrants in the mood for the holiday and spread Christmas cheer. Who wants to Christmas shop if there isn’t Christmas music on?” -Graham Turner, 18.
The Verdict:
Christmas music brings happiness to celebrants everywhere. Therefore, it should be played in November. Tis the season.
Anti-Christmas Music
The Candidate:
This is the person who thinks that November should be solely dedicated to Thanksgiving. The Christmas spirit can begin to present itself once the Thanksgiving Feast is over. People who are anti-Christmas Music tend to have negative attitudes toward Christmas decorations and advertising that appears before Thanksgiving.
The Evidence:
“Not everyone celebrates Christmas and wants to hear Christmas music played consistently. They always only play the same songs over and over, so they get overplayed and people are sick of them by the time Christmas actually does roll around. Also, Playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving is disrespectful to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving deserves time to be celebrated too, and if we start playing Christmas music, Thanksgiving gets overlooked! Since when does Christmas come before Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the best holiday and we need to focus on it” -Natalie Callahan, 18.
“Christmas music should not be played until December because Christmas takes place in December. It should run past Christmas, into the New Year, instead of starting way before Christmas." -Joe Wagner, 20.
The Verdict:
Christmas music is overrated and it shouldn’t be overplayed. Every holiday deserves its time to be celebrated, so Thanksgiving should not be overlooked.
The Conclusion:
Overall, it looks like the two sides of the debate stand firm in their beliefs. Additionally, it doesn’t seem like the debate will be simmering down anytime soon. Both sides are very passionate and fervent about their opinion. While the debate probably won’t ever be fully resolved, it's good to get a perspective from both sides and hear what they have to say.