I Like Christmas Music

Hello, Friends!

This week’s edition of Things I Like is about something I find myself returning to every December: Christmas music. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying its presence this time of year. For me, Christmas music isn’t just about the holiday itself—it’s about nostalgia, connection, and the unique way music can set the tone for a season that can feel equally joyful and overwhelming.

Nostalgia Wrapped in a Melody

One of the most powerful things about Christmas music is how it brings us back—sometimes decades back—with just a few notes. Maybe it’s Bing Crosby’s White Christmas playing in your grandparents’ living room or Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You blaring from car speakers on a late-night shopping trip. Music has a way of transporting us, and Christmas music, tied so closely to tradition, carries layers of meaning that make it almost timeless.

For me, certain songs feel like stepping into a warm memory. Even if it’s been a difficult year, those familiar melodies can act like a small comfort, reminding me of simpler times and people I hold dear.

The Balance of Joy and Longing

Christmas music also carries this interesting mix of emotions. Some songs are pure joy—bright, upbeat celebrations of the season. Others, though, are tinged with longing. Songs like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas or I’ll Be Home for Christmas speak to something deeper: the ache of missing people or places, or the desire for peace and connection in a world that doesn’t always feel peaceful.

Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to songs that hold space for this complexity. Two of my current favorites are Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More by Relient K, which feels like a quiet promise of hope during the holidays, and The Parting Glass by Ye Vagabonds and boygenius, a hauntingly beautiful song that brings reflection and tenderness to the season. These songs remind me that Christmas can be both a celebration and a time of introspection—and that’s okay.

The Togetherness of It All

Another reason I love Christmas music is that it’s one of the few shared soundtracks we all experience. Whether you’re in the grocery store, at a holiday party, or driving through the neighborhood to see lights, chances are there’s a Christmas song playing in the background. And while the ubiquity might drive some people nuts, there’s also something unifying about it. For a brief season, we all seem to hum the same songs, sing along to the same words, and share in something collective—even if it’s just the chorus to Jingle Bells.

Conclusion

So whether you love it, tolerate it, or just hope to escape Last Christmas for the tenth time today, Christmas music has an undeniable presence this season. It carries us back, brings us together, and holds space for joy, longing, and everything in between. Thanks for joining me this week in Things I Like. Until next time, remember: know yourself, love yourself, and maybe hum along to a Christmas song or two.