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It’s that time of year again – November. The month of Christmas music, and consequently, the Great Christmas Music Debate. The beginning of November, marked by the end of Halloween, is the official start of the Holiday Season (according to commercialism, anyways). This means that stores replace all their Halloween decorations with Christmas trees, lights, and garlands. Although such phenomenon is generally accepted as a promotional strategy in the entrepreneurial world, the rapid shift from hearing “regular” music to hearing Jingle Bells sparks a heated dispute – is it too early for Christmas music? Or is there such thing as too early? I took it upon myself to ask some of our peers of White Oaks, “what is your opinion on Christmas music in November?” and find out.

 

 

There was a bit of variation in the responses I received, but for the most part it seemed like the community doesn’t mind Christmas music as long as a few weeks pass after Halloween before we let loose all the festivities.

 

 

“Christmas music is great, but it gets you too excited for Christmas too quickly,” says Alexa S. “I’m okay with it at the last week of November. Also when there’s snow; if there was snow right now that would be okay!”

 

 

Ben M. agrees, but his timeframe of when Christmas music is acceptable is narrower. “[Christmas songs] are dumb and it’s too early,” he says. “I would prefer if they weren’t played—they’re so annoying—but if they were, keep it from the week before Christmas until boxing day.”

 

 

Apathetic to the issue at first, with an initial reaction of “I don’t care”, Amelia H. is on the same page. She continued her statement with “actually, it’s fine as long as it’s reasonably cold outside. Like mid-November, but not the day after Halloween.”

 

 

When asked about hearing festive songs so early into the month, Jackie T. approached the question with a new angle. “Christmas music is great, but please keep it off until after November 11 so that we could use the period between Halloween and Remembrance Day to honour our veterans,” she says. “After that, go crazy.”

 

 

However, not everyone was so calm and accepting of it, though. Emily S. and Amanda Q. let out a few four-letter words in response to my question. Cassie B. responded with nothing but a “no” and Bhavik P. said that he is “deeply disconcerted”.

 

 

“I generally love Christmas music, but there are times in the season when I just can’t stand it,” says Duncan P. “The start and end of the season turn me into a Scrooge incarnate,” he adds, clarifying that now is one of the times that he can’t stand it.

 

 

When confronting Paulina A. about the overall negative views on Christmas music in November, she had a lot to say. “People don’t understand that once Halloween’s over, the spirit of giving takes over. It’s time for people to get used to this tradition. No one complains when back to school shopping starts in July! Everyone must get into the spirit of giving, even if it’s in November.”

 

 

So what are your thoughts on this most-controversial topic? But whether you agree or disagree with the rapid progression from October to holiday music, one thing is unarguable: Christmas music in November is, as Samuel T. puts it, “a necessary evil.”

 

Take part in a quick poll and tell us what YOU think here!