Christmas music is a big part of the holidays, whether you love it, hate it, or otherwise.
But, where did it all begin for Christmas music?
According to the World History Encyclopedia, Christmas carols come from a number of different genres dating back to medieval Europe.
The article claims that many carols came from church services and had strong melodies and repeated lyrics which made them easy to remember and were likely used to tell stories from the Bible.
After some time, it seems that carols became used for the celebration of Christmas, offering Christians a method of devotion.
Apparently, pilgrims and monks took these carols with them as they traveled, seemingly making Christmas and its music known worldwide.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Christmas music.
In the 17th century, carols suffered a decline, when the Puritans in Britain prohibited celebrating Christmas until the Stuart Revolution in 1660, which saw the return of Christmas celebrations and carols.
By the 19th century, Christmas carols became what we now know, with Christmas overall becoming more popular, and the music being enjoyed by many.
“I love it,” said Emily Lauterbach, a worker at a local golf course.
She contends that the music being tied to Christmas and the holidays make it so popular.
Kelly Kruger, a doctor for Mayo Clinic, had the same thoughts.
“I normally play it after Thanksgiving,” said Kruger. “I think the fact that it’s repetitive and you listen to certain songs in a certain type of year, every year, with the songs and holidays bringing joy. It brings anticipation of more joy every year.”
Of course, not everyone enjoys Christmas music, especially following the memes revolving around Mariah Carey and her “defrosting” for the Christmas holiday.
Jacob Leonardi, a counselor for Claibourne Counseling, feels the same way to an extent.
“Honestly, I think…it used to mean a little bit more, but as I’ve gotten older, Christmas music starts way too soon,” Leonardi said. “It’s repetitive, and I don’t see a lot of new, exciting Christmas music being made.”
While the music can get repetitive, for some there’s no question that it’s a staple of Christmas, and a tradition that will likely carry on for many years.
