Like many Americans, I observe Christmas and am utterly obsessed with the winter holiday season. I have never cared for Valentine’s Day or Easter — least of all Halloween. There is just something about Christmas that is so unique and special. Beyond the significant religious importance it has for us practicing Christians, the aura of joy and happiness is palpable in November and December. Nothing brings out this joy better than Christmas music.

Sadly, this year will be very different. Like everything else, the pandemic promises to derail a traditional Noel that many of us had been looking forward to all year. Strolling through beautiful neighborhoods and fun trips to the mall for gifts won’t be the same.  

More upsetting is a halt to all of the traditions that are unique to every family. Every Christmas Eve, we have a large gathering at my uncle’s house and open presents at midnight to celebrate with my father’s side of the family. On Christmas Day, we do another big event at my grandmother’s house to see my mother’s side. These gatherings will have to be largely scaled back if held at all and will undoubtedly be more somber.

It is challenging to celebrate a holiday knowing that there will likely be 300,000 dead among our fellow Americans by the end of the year. That statistic overshadows the number of their friends and family, whose numbers lie in the millions, who will have been affected by death this year. On top of this tragedy, there will be constant chaos in Washington that will determine the future of this nation.

So while we are all cooped up in our homes in the midst of a global pandemic, political crisis, and insufferable school year, Christmas music could do the trick. This year more than ever, it is time to settle the debate on when the Christmas season starts. On November 1st, feel free to decorate your homes and dust off your Frank Sinatra Christmas album vinyl.

Thanksgiving has never been a holiday season. There is no Thanksgiving music or Thanksgiving movies — none that are good, at least. I have always thought it was ridiculous when people shamed me for listening to Christmas music in November when radio stations started playing it as early as then. Thanksgiving is a one-day event commemorating gratitude that perfectly sets up Christmas day. It is not the start of the Christmas season as a whole. Every observer of Christmas should take advantage of the vast discography of holiday music that is sure to lift our spirits. This election might not save us, but Mariah Carey definitely can.