The Christmas season is in full swing. Trees are up, festive lights have covered cars all down Rowan Boulevard, and students are now bundling up in red, green, and puffer jackets galore, and the most important part of it all… Christmas music is back. Rowan students have a lot to say about their favorite songs, the best time to start streaming the songs, if pop stars should be making Christmas music, and of course the best memories that go along with them. 

When it comes to music, the debate of when is the best time to start listening to fun holiday songs is a debate that will go on for ages to come. Some start as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 1. While others believe in waiting until December hits to even switch on “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” 

Freshman biological science major Rashelle Huntley agreed with the latter and had strong opinions on the topic. 

“Oh, I don’t start till Dec. 1, no exceptions,” said Huntley.

Everyone has their must-listen-to songs every year, whether it’s the modern, strong willingness “Buy Me Presents” by Sabrina Carpenter or Bobby Helms classic “Jingle Bell Rock.” Everyone has that song that is just theirs. Yet Rowan students most gravitated towards, the classics. Wham’s bittersweet hit “Last Christmas” and Mariah Carey’s Christmas smash, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” 

Some had more unorthodox answers, like computer science major Kellan Kaiser, who chose a more alternative version of the hit. 

“I always listen to ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ but the My Chemical Romance version,” said Kaiser.

Christmas songs have this magical way of taking you on a trip down memory lane. One minute you’re just listening to “Jingle Bells,” and the next, you’re back in your childhood, sledding with your cousins or decorating a tree with your family. 

Whether it’s a classic tune or a cheesy holiday bop, music always has a way of bringing us back to the sweet times, especially for sophomore sports cam major Isabella Davis. 

“‘I farted on Santa Claus’ is always a song that, since the first time we heard it on the radio, we listen to on Christmas Day,” Davis said. 

Sophomore Alex Sjonell didn’t have a specific song, but he credited the 2000s helping him to keep the nostalgia of the season alive. 

“I can’t think of specific songs, but all around, growing up in the early 2000s really reminds me of my childhood,” said Sjonell.

Female pop artists have been making Christmas records for years, but for a little while, that was not the case. Artists mostly stopped making full-blown records to add to their discography for a time. Yet, artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande have caused a resurgence of these more long-form projects with their EPs “Fruitcake” and “Christmas And Chill.” 

Sophomore Jillian Samolewicz is excited about this resurgence. 

“I love it, we need more Christmas music,” said Samolewicz.

Overall, whether it’s the sexy and fun “Santa Tell Me” you dance to at your best friend’s Christmas party or a soft Jazz Rendition of  “‘O Holy Night” that you hear as you cozy up by the fire with your family, Christmas music is a timeless reminder that this is the season of love, fun, and giving.

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