The Nostalgia of Christmas Music
Nostalgia is a powerful human phenomenon. The word is derived from a Greek compound; consisting of nóstos, meaning "homecoming", and álgos meaning "pain" or "ache". A longing for home or homesickness. This was once believed to be a serious mental condition, one that was considered potentially fatal. The condition proved to be a huge barrier for countries trying to expand their trade routes and conquest. Soldiers and ship crewmen would suffer extreme bouts of homesickness as they sailed the vast ocean for months at a time. Overtime nostalgia has ceased to be thought of as a serious condition and is now considered a whimsical feeling. But, what seemed to be true when the term was coined in the 17th century and what seems to be true now is that people are most nostalgic during periods of change. Those who are more resistant to change tend to be more nostalgic. I am not one of those people. I welcome change. Change leads to innovation and I love innovative things. Unfortunately, one thing that rarely changes is Christmas music and I believe it's past time to examine why.
Music makes human beings feel incredibly nostalgic and Christmas music puts this feeling into hyper-drive. This makes sense considering that our most endearing memories include wearing matching flannel pajamas with our parents and siblings, baking cookies for Santa while sipping hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows floating at the top. A beautiful evergreen tree standing in the background adorned with the star you placed there a few nights ago. Going to bed knowing that Santa Claus is coming to town, arriving on a magical slay led by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Dreaming of a white Christmas hoping to arise in a winter wonderland. Often waking-up to learn that Sanata has brought us exactly what we wished for. The music playing in the background during these moments helped etch these most delightful childhood memories in our hippocampus forever. Thus when we hear a Christmas song we are instantly transported to a wonderful place and time.
The American celebration of Christmas is built upon many traditions that are centuries old. However, secular Christmas music as we know it was developed in the 1930’s. In the 30’s we were in the era of the great depression. Times were tough, thus gifting someone a present became a big deal. Simultaneously, Coca-Cola commissioned a classic image of Santa Clause, electric Christmas lights for trees were invented, a tree began to appear at the Rockafeller center and most importantly every American finally had a radio. When the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town'' hit the airways in 1934, it was an instant Christmas classic. Many acts would follow over the next 25 years. Writers and producers created most of the Christmas classics we still listen to today, including: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", just to name a few. While some of the decade's biggest acts throughout the rest of the 20th century have put their own spin on the songs written in the 30’s, the lyrics and even the arrangements remained mostly the same and still do.
We are trapped in an endless cycle. Our parents played us the Christmas music they heard as children. We will play the Christmas music we heard as children for our children. Our children will play the music they heard as children for their children; and so and so forth. I believe that this is because we are extremely attached to our precious memories of the holidays and we believe that if we change the music we will somehow lose the memories. However, our instinct to do what is familiar and comfortable can be stifling. Our urge to hold-on to old memories may serve as an impediment to creating new ones.
You can never go wrong with comfort food. You are always satisfied after you have watched your favorite movie for the umpteenth time and you know exactly what outfit to wear if ever in doubt. There is nothing wrong with going with what we know, but in most instances we are open to new possibilities. We try new items on the restaurant menus, we go see new movies, and we buy new clothes. We develop new favorites. Our appetites, styles and general sensibilities evolve overtime. But, for some reason when it comes to Christmas music we seemed to be jailed by the past.
I get it and as the old adage goes “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” So don’t let me be the Grinch that stole your Christmas playlist. Maybe it is not such a big deal that Christmas music rarely changes. But are there other aspects in life where we don’t move forward because we are so attached to the past? Are there products that could use innovation? Is there a movie Hollywood should quit remaking? What part does nostalgia play in your life? Email me! I’d love to hear your thoughts: jared@seekcompany.com.