Detroit radio stations have begun to play Christmas music, stirring the annual debate about the appropriateness of festive tunes before Thanksgiving. As holiday melodies fill the airwaves, listeners in the city find themselves divided on the timing of this seasonal transition.
To gauge public sentiment, local reporters took to the streets, asking residents for their opinions on when it is suitable to start hearing Christmas music. Responses ranged from enthusiastic support to outright disapproval.
Kanisha expressed her excitement, stating, “It doesn’t matter what you’re feeling any time of the year; once you put Christmas music on, it’s never too early.” Similarly, Brittany declared the timing “perfect for right now.” On the other end of the spectrum, Austin labeled Christmas music played in July as “way too much time,” while Ahthavan firmly stated, “Any time is too early because it is.”
Others, like Sandra and Aidan, voiced their preference for waiting until after Thanksgiving. Alexis elaborated, “Because you need a break between Halloween and just like, to breathe.” Aidan humorously admitted to being “a little bit of a Grinch,” prompting a playful response from Kanisha: “I hope you get bit by the Christmas bug and change your mind.”
The early shift to holiday music is not confined to radio. Retailers are also making the transition, rapidly changing from Halloween displays to Christmas decorations. Emily Linn, owner of Nest and City Bird, shared that her store waits until after Thanksgiving to start playing holiday music. “We all love holiday music, but we do find after a while it starts to be a bit much, so we start a little later and save that for the most festive time of year,” Linn explained.
Supporters of early Christmas music often cite nostalgia and the joy it brings. Brittany mentioned her favorite songs about Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, expressing how they evoke happy memories. Kanisha echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s just nostalgia of happiness.” Sylvia reflected on how Christmas music “reminds me of childhood,” while Doretha noted that it “makes you happy and ready to give. Be nice.”
King Freestyle offered a more reflective take, suggesting, “But, I think people should be like that year-round.”
As the festive season approaches, Detroit radio stations continue to air their holiday programming, highlighting the ongoing divide among listeners regarding the right time to embrace Christmas music. The lively discussion of early holiday tunes reflects a broader cultural debate that resonates beyond the city, as communities grapple with the timing of seasonal celebrations.
This article has been developed from an on-air report by a local journalist and has undergone editorial review to ensure accuracy and fairness.
