“Walking in a winter wonderland” is a daily occurrence at Skyline this time of year, but is it a mantra to start singing? When is it actually time to start listening to these Christmas tunes? Many Skyline students were asked about their opinion on when the correct time to start listening to holiday jams should begin.
Results from over 60 students showed a wide range of perspectives on when holiday cheer can make its appearance. A few said that they start listening to Christmas songs as early as September due to their music classes—like choir and orchestra—requiring practice to begin before the first snow falls to be prepared for concerts in December. Some start on October 1 and claim that it’s a way to find joy in the lull students often feel between fall and winter break. Others say the day after Halloween, or even the day of it, is the best time to start listening and that Thanksgiving can be overlooked when it comes to holiday ranking. Some agree with that sentiment but say that October is slightly early and would rather start listening to Christmas music between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
The majority of students agree that listening to holiday music can start on Thanksgiving or the day after. Thanksgiving falls at the end of November and is often accompanied by cold weather and snowfall. Many say that this is the perfect time to start listening, as winter officially begins, and Thanksgiving preparations are complete. The next highest majority are students who start listening on December 1. However, with Thanksgiving being so close to the end of November, this leaves only a mere two days this year between Thanksgiving and the start of December for those who choose to wait. Though strong opinions may separate these two groups of listeners, the actual timeline between the two beliefs suggests they have similar ideas on the ‘correct’ Christmas music start time. 
A few honorable mentions and outliers: a few Eagles said that waiting for the first snow is the best time. While living in Utah could mean this falls anywhere from October to after Christmas, it matches closely with those who believe Thanksgiving is the best time purely for the start of the winter season. One student said she never listens to Christmas music and prefers to be limited to those songs she hears in stores. She said, “There’s only one Christmas album I’ll listen to: Sabrina Carpenter. Fruitcake EP. That’s the only one I’ll listen to. And I’ll have to listen to it maybe on the 24th of December.” In stark contrast, one student said that they listen to Christmas music year-round, saying that, if it brings you joy, why not feel that joy all year?
16 students were asked about their favorite genre of Christmas music, for when they do choose to listen to it. Categories for Christmas music include choral, instrumental, pop, rock, country, jazz, and oldies. Many students said the ‘50s and ‘60s are their favorite, with singers like Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. Many also reported Mariah Carey as their favorite artist, with a few agreeing with and including Justin Bieber. Two students said that the music from the 2017 The Grinch album is their favorite, including “I am the Grinch” by Tyler, the Creator. Eagles also enjoy the variety of pop that the holiday songs have to offer.
Christmas music contains many opinions, but most Skyline students can agree that colder weather and pop music are the way to go for their holiday jams. Almost all can agree that the joy it brings them is what makes the holiday season that much better. One student claims that, “In Utah, when you start seeing snow on the ground, not just in mountains,” it’s time. 
