I’ve developed an aversion to Christmas music

I don’t know when it happened, but I no longer enjoy listening to Christmas music. I used to turn it on as soon as Halloween was over, getting ready for the holiday season by filling our home with the sounds of Christmas. But now, whenever I try to listen to Christmas music I end up turning it off after just a few songs. The winter-themed songs such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Jingle Bells are fine for a while, but the Christmas-specific songs are driving me crazy. Particularly the one that claims It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year then proceeds to list all of the commercialized, mood-altering habits Americans tend to associate with December.

American Christmas songs create nostalgia for a time that never existed. At least, not for me. Letting go of Christmas songs means letting go of a preconceived notion of what the holidays should be. Creating my own version of our holidays — one that is relaxed and cozy, rather than stressed, overwhelming or overstimulating — has been key to our enjoyment of the season this year. We’ve been finding joy in the everyday moments; in real life. And Christmas songs don’t feel authentic.

Thanks to Nordic habits, I’m focused on small, honest experiences this year, like getting hygge and spending time with others playing games or watching movies. Instead of turning on Christmas music, I opt for jazz. Then I light some candles, snuggle with the family, and make yummy treats and hot drinks. And winter feels happy.

The dark is here. The cold is here. The holidays are here. But my need for mood-altering, commercialized music is gone. 

What did I learn from this?

Find happiness by replacing unfounded nostalgia with authentic experiences.