When it comes to the holiday season, almost every place is filled with holiday decorations. From grocery stores, to restaurants, to doctors offices, every public place is decked out in holiday decorations. Another notable way that places get into the spirit is by playing holiday music through their speakers for everyone to hear. Music is a very popular way to spread the holiday spirit. From Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, holiday music has been around for ages. Due to this, holiday music has evolved over the periods of time. But, when it comes down to it, there is a certain beat that people continue to love every holiday season. So, which do people prefer, a classic tune or a contemporary hit?

The first Christmas song to ever be recorded was “Jingle Bells” by Will Lyle all the way back in 1889 and since then, holiday music has been a staple part of the jolly season. Thus resulting in more hit holiday tunes such as “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland. These classic tunes are still played to this day throughout the holiday season because many people enjoy the vintage feel they give off and the fact that they can bring back old memories.

“I enjoy the older classic music because it gets me more into the holiday spirit,” senior Aubrey Lonergan said. “It reminds me of watching old Christmas shows growing up.”

With a sense of nostalgia, classic songs like those are destined to be around for ages, but as time has gone on, more modernized songs have been released. Songs like “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and “Last Christmas” by Wham! have continually topped the charts as soon as December rolls around. Groups like Pentatonix have been releasing Christmas albums since 2012 that include modernized covers of classic holiday songs and original hits. With more current productions, modern Christmas music has been able to appeal to more people who enjoy a contemporary tune.

“I love contemporary Christmas music because I have never been a big fan of the older classic Christmas music,” senior Danielle Brose said. “I think contemporary is cool because it’s more of artists you know and they revise the songs and style it the way they want it.”

No matter the holiday, music is fundamental to celebration. Whether it’s Christmas or Independence Day, the celebration isn’t quite complete without music. But with Christmas in particular, music goes hand in hand with the holiday. The holiday season is a time to focus on family and giving back. Music is a way to help remind people of what matters most during the holidays, as almost all Christmas songs seemingly have the same message: being with the ones they love. Whether it’s Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé, holiday music has the ability to bring people together, no matter if it’s a classic tune or a contemporary hit.