In just a few short days, a war’s going to break out in my otherwise (somewhat) peaceful household. November 1 starts the annual “War of the Christmas Music.”
Each year, it’s me against my husband Joe and the three little darlings that I brought into this world, I should add after a collective 36 hours of labor and three C-sections.
This year, I’m taking a proactive stand. I’m taking my case to the people (or at least the few wonderful souls who take time out of their day to read my blog).
Mommy wants to listen to “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” without the groans and moans from the back seat of the minivan. I would like to enjoy all 55 versions from 55 different artists of, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” without hearing Joe call me a “Lame-o.”
I’m listing 10 reasons why my family shouldn’t give me a hard time listening to the holiday music that gives me such joy:
- I don’t play the, I-carried-each-of-you-for-9-(actually 10)-extremely-long-months- card very often, but this year I will. Remember that without me, three of you would not be here on this earth, and one of you would not be a father. I think that deserves a few Fa-la-la-las for a few weeks.
- Contrary to what a certain teenager claims, listening to large amounts of holiday music won’t cause permanent damage to anyone’s psyche or cause anyone to turn to a life of crime.
- Hearing “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” puts me in a much more peaceful mood and makes my head less likely to explode when a certain nine-year-old asks me fifty-five times if we could have mushrooms, then asks another fifty-five times if the mushrooms are ready, then looks at them and with a straight face tells me he doesn’t like mushrooms.
- If I could listen to Elmo singing the alphabet, Steve from Blues Clues sing, “We just got a letter,” and Dora the Explorer singing her Backpack song for the rough equivalent of two full years of my life, surely you can listen to Karen Carpenter sing, “Merry Christmas Darling,” for a few weeks without bursting into tears.
- John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen have done Christmas songs. If it’s good enough for them, surely it’s good enough for us.
- There comes a time every Christmas when Santa needs some extra elves to help with all the seasonal preparations. Who do you think he’s going to ask for help? Yes, you are right, me! Happy elves spread holiday cheer, and nothing brings more cheer than a few choruses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
- What holiday season is complete without hearing, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” at least a few times?
- There really was a part in our wedding vows that said, in sickness, health, and listening to holiday music every year. I’m not sure why you don’t remember that? Weren’t you paying attention on the most important day of your life? Don’t you love me enough to remember the vow you made to me 21 years ago in front of our family, friends and God? DOESN’T OUR MARRIAGE MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?
- When Mom is happy, everyone is happy. When Mom is not happy, well you know what happens.
- Some of my most precious holiday memories are of nursing a two-week-old Tom, or trying to decorate the Christmas tree while nine months pregnant and holding the hand of a three-year-old, or watching three of the sweetest children squeal with delight over what Santa has brought them snuggled on the couch with the one I love, all with the sounds of the season playing in the background.
Truth be told, there is something that just warms my heart every time I hear a Christmas song. They trigger all the best memories of holidays past. And, if that doesn’t move you, remember your survival sort of depends on, well me.
This piece was originally published on the Dishwasher, October 27, 2013, under the title, It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas. It has been slightly edited.
Number 5 is reason enough fro me, but then again I am with you on your love of Christmas music and truly didn’t have to twist my arm. So, if we were driving somewhere together, I would totally tell you to crank up the Christmas music 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…My Extraordinary Kid(s)
I knew you would be a fellow Christmas music lover!!! xox
I have lots of fun and feel warm inside every time I read this, Kathy. #8 is hilarious and I agree with you. Listening to Christmas songs, regardless of time of year, puts Mama in a great mood and really just calms me down and makes me happy. I love ‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas’ cos it reminds me of a 3yr-old Noah dancing and jumping to it like a happy, cute elf! And I could never tire of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”…all 1000 versions of it! ;-))
Amen!!!! So glad to find out you are a kindred spirit!! Lol! xo
I’m with you my friend. I love Christmas music. xoxo
nancy@skinnykitchen.com recently posted…My Top 10 Skinny Recipes of 2013
We will have to make sure to listen to a tune when we finally meet up!! (Who cares if it’s only November!) xo
I may or may not keep two or three holiday albums on my playlist all year long. So, I am totally with you. I was stressed out the other day and all of sudden, “Silent Night” came on. Instant peace! #9, for sure!
Jessica recently posted…A Day (and Night) at the Zoo
It’s amazing isn’t it Jessica? Christmas music has the same effect on me too! xo
How early is “too early”? (Not early enough!!!)
I love Christmas music and am firmly in your camp waiting on showings of “Love Actually”, ” A Christmas Carol” “Nestor” and listening to every version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
XO
Kir recently posted…You’re Really Too Busy (to get the flu)
Kir I love God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen too!! (The Bare Naked Ladies does a great version of this!!)
Hahahha…I live in a household of grinches too….
Michelle recently posted…I Fix Car Problems By Turning Up The Radio
That is 10 good reasons that anyone would evaluate makes perfect sense to let the Christmas music begin!
Kathy – I think your most convincing arguement is defintely #9!! lol!
Enjoy the holidays!!
All the best,
Lisa
PS – my favorite Christmas song is Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses
I love Christmas music too – every holiday season I enjoy it from beginning to end – and we don’t even celebrate Christmas!
Sharon Greenthal recently posted…I Know Everything…and Nothing at All
I AM WITH YOU!!! Wanna come over after Trick or Treat on Halloween night and catch a Hallmark Christmas movie with me? 🙂 (yes, they start this year 10/31!)
Meredith recently posted…Jumping
I haaaate Christmas music, and even I admit that you’ve got a point here. Especially with numbers four and nine. Point Kathy.
Jenn @ Something Clever 2.0 recently posted…Let’s Put an End to the Board Game Movie Trend Right Now
You make some solid points, mama. Wishing you a peaceful protest-free holiday music season! I personally can not WAIT for Christmas music again!!
Kathy, I love Christmas music, too – but I usually wait until Thanksgiving, and I don’t know why. Could be I don’t want to get sick of it – or it could be that I’m afraid to the inevitable moans and groans of loved one!
Allie SMith recently posted…Halloween Over the Years
Waiting till Thanksgiving is a good compromise, but I will be enjoying my Sounds of the Season when they come on November 3rd!!! Lol! Thanks so much for coming on by! 🙂
I love Christmas music too. Luckily, I don’t have to fight anyone to listen to it. You do need to throw around that you carried and birthed those children, and they will forever be in debt to you. I always like to remind my son where his first home was while pointing to my gut.