The Battle of the Holiday Tunes

home insemination Kit

Updated: Jan. 3, 2017

Originally Published: November 22, 2015

Every November, my family and I dive headfirst into the Battle of the Holiday Tunes. Yes, it’s me against my husband and our three adorable kids—who, I might add, I brought into this world after a total of 36 hours of labor and three C-sections. This year, I’m taking a bold approach. I’m rallying support! I want to enjoy “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” without the grumbling from the backseat of the car. I would love to listen to all 55 renditions of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” without hearing my husband call me a “lame-o.”

Here are ten reasons why my family should ease up when I tune into the holiday music that brings me so much joy:

1. I don’t often pull the “I carried you for 9 (actually 10) long months” card, but this year, I’m cashing it in. Remember, without me, three of you wouldn’t exist, and one of you wouldn’t be a dad. I think that deserves a few fa-la-la-la-la’s for a while.
2. Contrary to what some 16-year-olds might think, blasting holiday music won’t cause any permanent psychological harm or lead anyone down a life of crime.
3. Hearing “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” puts me in a serene mood and keeps my head from exploding when my 8-year-old asks 55 times if we can have mushrooms, then asks if they are ready, and then tells me he doesn’t like them.
4. If I can listen to Elmo singing the alphabet, Steve from Blues Clues belting out “We Just Got a Letter!” and Dora the Explorer’s “BackPack Song” for what feels like two years, surely you can handle Karen Carpenter’s “Merry Christmas, Darling” for a few weeks without tearing up.
5. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen have all dropped Christmas tracks. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
6. There comes a moment each holiday season when Santa needs extra help with all the preparations. Who do you think he’ll call? You guessed it—me! Happy helpers spread joy, and nothing brings more cheer than a few rounds of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
7. What would the holiday season be without hearing “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” at least a couple of times?
8. There was, in fact, a part of our wedding vows about sickness, health, and listening to holiday music every year. Not sure why you don’t remember that? Weren’t you paying attention on our big day? Don’t you love me enough to recall the promise you made 22 years ago in front of our family, friends, and God?
9. When Mom is happy, everyone is happy. When Mom isn’t happy, well, we all know how that goes.
10. Some of my most cherished holiday memories include nursing a newborn while decorating the Christmas tree, being nine months pregnant, holding hands with a toddler, and snuggling with my love—all with the sweet sounds of the season in the background.

Honestly, there’s just something that warms my heart every time I hear a Christmas song. They bring back the best memories from years gone by. And if that doesn’t convince you, remember, your survival kind of depends on it!

For more parenting tips and insights, check out this post on our other blog.

Summary:

In this lighthearted piece, Jenna Carter humorously discusses her annual struggle with her family over holiday music. She presents ten compelling reasons why she should be allowed to enjoy her festive tunes without criticism, ranging from the sacrifices of motherhood to the joy that holiday music brings. This article captures the essence of family dynamics during the festive season and showcases the importance of holiday traditions.