Image by Sabine Sauermaul from Pixabay
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
While there are many things associated with the Holiday season, it is the music that really sets the tone this time of year. Known to boost one’s mood, even sad music has proven to increase happiness and reduce anxiety.
And we all need a bit of that after this rollercoaster of a year, right?
With thousands upon thousands of options to choose from, everyone has a preference when it comes to Holiday songs. It could be a variation or new spin on a timeless classic. An upbeat bubble-gum pop song infused into the mix. Or even a sad, sappy ballad pulling at our heartstrings and making our eyes leak with tears. There are countless church hymns celebrating the birth of Jesus, and Hanukkah songs about dreidels and the lighting of the candles.
Regardless of what you celebrate this time of year, the point is that music is literally what makes the Holidays go ‘round.
Which got me thinking about my favorite Christmas song.
Hey, I write the blog, it can be all about me, okay?
After scouring the internet and having Alexa play Christmas music for days on end, I finally came to a conclusion. It was a very “ah-ha” moment in my life based solely on the amount of happiness and joy I felt when the song came on.
My favorite Christmas song is the absurd, controversial, slightly politically incorrect rendition of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” While it once reigned supreme over the Country Christmas classics, if it were released today, I can only imagine the backlash and drama it would create.
In my quest to find the underlying meaning of this song, I learned there isn’t one. It’s literally about an old woman (grandma) getting trampled by Santa and his reindeer. The injuries, it is assumed, caused her death.
While morbid… it is highly entertaining!
In the “this is the worst song ever” category, where I immediately tell Alexa to SKIP because my ears might start bleeding, is Mariah Carey’s “All I want For Christmas.” While this catchy tune pulled in over $50 million in royalties alone for the iconic pop diva, I despise it.
Loathe it.
Wish I could burn it, type of hatred.
It is an annoyingly happy-go-lucky tune riddled with incessant runs, repetitious wording, and seemingly goes on and on and on until I want to stab myself in the eye with a candy cane.
Also, in the mix, because I couldn’t choose just one, is “Last Christmas” by Wham! Now normally, I’m a big fan of Wham! How could you not be? Dancing around in their little 80s short-shorts and fluorescent sweatshirts, they are pop royalty. I mean, “Wake me up before you go-go” is 1980s gold in my book.
Still, the depressing lyrics and blah undertones of “Last Christmas” are a mix of awfulness. Just move on man! So, the girl didn’t want you. Get yourself a little self-respect and let it go. Good grief.
Alexa… SKIP!
Regardless of your preference for the old classics or the new, upbeat anthems of the season, music is a timeless treasure of the Holidays. So crank up the volume and let the warmth of the magical season lift your spirits as we get one step closer to bidding 2020 farewell.