Musings of a Drunken Monk: Individual Entry Archive

Today (and in other recent days) I have been reminded just how much I dislike Christmas music. Hearing it in a chipper female Japanese voice doesn't help things. Nor does the Japanese language do much justice to an already awful musical genre.

Maybe I sound like Scrooge McDuck (love the Disney stereotype, by the way, that the Scots are cheapskates. I have no idea where they thought that one up.), but really, the only Christmas music I actually enjoy or even tolerate is The Nutcracker Suite. Maybe it's because there aren't any annoying words.

Christmas music wouldn't be so bad if if weren't for a few things:

• Simple, campy lyrics and jingly melodies that get stuck in your brain for days.
• Heinous overplay in any place of commerce starting sometime in mid-November.
• Every pop artist since the conception of Chrismas music trying to remake a tired old crappy song into something "Fresh." I tell you, just because Christina Aguilera shakes her slutty ass on camera while singing Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer and wearing next to nothing doesn't mean that it's a new song. It's still the same bad song with a new underdressed singer.
• Overbearing, inescapable preachiness. I tolerate "holiday" or "seasonal" songs much more (even if they also suck) simply because they don't cram Christmas cheer and religious/Santa propoganda down my throat. If I were of a culture that didn't celebrate Christmas, I think I would stock up on food and supplies in October and never leave my home from November 10 until probably December 29 or so. I guess technically I am Christian, at least, most of it doesn't outwardly offend me, and even I hate all the crap I am exposed to every year. I can only imagine what it must feel like to be of another religion or culture that doesn't buy into the capitalist feeding frenzy we now call Christmas.
• Plain ol' suckiness. Let's face it. Christmas songs were never known for being particularly creative or inspiring. They are simplistic jingles at best, downright grating at worst. I want to punch those fucking singing Christmas trees. Yeah I'll show you naughty and nice.

I guess it comes down to the fact that I just don't like Christmas music and never will. Once in a while (say, hearing each of the songs once a year...on Christmas) is okay, but continuously makes me want to drill my eardrums out. Being in Japan at this time makes it even worse, considering that the "family time and values" I personally associate with Christmas means nothing during "Japanese Christmas." Like many things in Japan, it's just an excuse to shop.

This year, I know for sure the only place I want to be hearing Christmas music is on Christmas Eve decorating the tree with my family. That will always be the only time I will enjoy Christmas music.

Until then, Rudolph and Rock n' Roll Santa can shove it. Bah humbug!