Okay, I'll admit it. I'm one of those strange, strange people that listens to Christmas music sporadically from January till December. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten exasperated groans or screeches of protest from friends and family when they enter my car only to find Pentatonix's (revolutionary, utterly masterful) Christmas album ringing through the hot June air inside. I can't help it. Christmas music has always had a special place in my heart, and it's a place that doesn't shift when the new year comes around. So, from a dedicated Christmas tunes enthusiast, here are 12 reasons you should be listening to Christmas music all year long.
1. It's joyful.
To me, there's no quicker way to pull yourself out of a bad mood than to put on a few Christmas tunes. The upbeat, cheerful songs that are so familiar always make me feel like I'm in a happier place during a happier time (like around the tree at Christmas).
2. Everyone knows all the songs.
Unless you've quite literally lived under a rock your whole life, you probably know the lyrics to "Let it Snow" or "Winter Wonderland." Even people who don't celebrate Christmas have probably heard these songs at some point in their lives. Christmas music makes for a great car ride karaoke session no matter what the weather outside looks like.
3. Bing Crosby, that is all.
Some of the most popular Christmas tunes ever recorded can be traced back to good ole Bing Crosby and his original Christmas album. His album was the highest selling holiday album ever until 2014 (when Pentatonix took that coveted spot). From "O Holy Night" to "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," those old gorgeous tracks with the beautiful symphony in the background, yeah, that's Bing.
4. It comes in all genres.
Everyone from Taylor Swift to the Dogg himself has covered some classic Christmas tunes. There's sad, lonely country ballads, upbeat pop songs, and heavy metal bangers all to the tune of a merry Christmas. Whatever genre you're into, theres a Christmas song for that.
5. Even the remixes are good.
It's an unstated law of nature that remixes are almost never good. With the exception of Beyonce remixing Beyonce for a new Beyonce album, most remixes are just trash. Christmas music is the one area of music where this isn't true. Every era of music brings a new approach to the same old songs. And usually puts an exciting new twist on what people already love.
6. Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me."
This album is by far one of the best Christmas albums of all time. Accapella and Christmas music were obviously a match made in heaven, as proven by Pentatonix's 2014 album. They soared to the top of charts everywhere and surpassed the previous record for the highest selling holiday album of all time all within the matter of one year. This album is seriously great, and one that I obsessively listen to at all times of the year.
7. It reminds you of Christmas.
Christmas is the most senselessly joyful time of the year. Who wouldn't want to be thrown back into lighting Christmas trees, drinking eggnog, and giving and receiving gifts by the familiar tune of your favorite holiday anthem?
8. It's catchy AF.
Chances are, by me even mentioning "Jingle Bells" or "Let it Snow" you've probably already got one or both stuck in your head. A lot of Christmas music is joyous, repetitive, and so so catchy. It's one of the many things that makes it beautiful.
9. It'll always make you feel like a kid again.
Those old, familiar tunes will always bring back memories of coming down the stairs on December 25 to find the tree surrounded by toys. There's something almost magical about that moment, even after you realizd that there's no actual magic involved. Its a time in our lives I think we all like to go back to sometimes, and Christmas music always helps rekindle those old memories.
10. There's something for every mood.
Although Christmas music is mostly known for being happy and uplifting, there's really songs for every feeling and mood. There's sad, slow songs longing for a far away love or home, angry songs about the unfairness of love and life, and every other kind of sentiment you could be feeling.
11. Santa would want you to.
Santa never takes a break from Christmas, and neither should you. The jolly big guy is probably jamming out to hist favorite Christmas tunes all year long, and he never feels any shame about it. Take a hint from Santa and spread the Christmas spirit throughout the year, not just for one month.
12. It's a gift to mankind.
I like to think of Christmas music as one giant gift from the universe to all of mankind. It's fun, happy and sometimes heartbreaking. You can party to it or sing it loudly for all to hear. It's one of the most underrated types of music ever, and it deserves a spot in your playlist indefinitely. There should be no shame in spreading Christmas cheer throughout the year. So next time "All I Want For Christmas is You" starts playing, don't skip over it. Let it play loud and proud.
