OPINION: Should you listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving?

As November moves toward winter, a debate emerges about when to start celebrating Christmas: before or after Thanksgiving. Regardless of when the holiday season begins, the goal is a feeling of warmth and shared cheer, even if the timing may differ for individuals and communities.

“Playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving Day is a mistake… for some people, Christmas songs are memories of missing out on the promises of the holidays and its stress-inducing ties to holiday shopping.”

Some voices argue that early Christmas music can dampen the mood for late-fall traditions and that jumping into festivities too soon may feel out of step with the season. Critics emphasize that the seasonal soundtrack should respect varied experiences—financial, emotional, or otherwise—that people bring into the holidays.

“Listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving does not diminish Thanksgiving as a holiday; there is just simply no Thanksgiving music, so why not enjoy the Christmas bangers artists have made?”

Supporters of early listening note that extending the festive period can enhance mood, provide emotional preparation for the holidays, and offer comforting backdrop during shorter, darker days. They argue that Christmas music can foster gratitude and goodwill, easing the transition into wintertime celebrations.

“We need Christmas music — even before Thanksgiving.”

In practice, many people blend personal taste with cultural rhythms: some begin listening in early November, others reserve Christmas music for December. The key is flexible pacing that honors diverse experiences while preserving meaningful fall and pre-holiday rituals.

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UNCW Seahawk UNCW Seahawk — 2025-11-20

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