Every November, my family and I find ourselves embroiled in an annual struggle: the Christmas music debate. It’s a classic case of me against my husband and our three children, whom I brought into this world after enduring a collective 36 hours of labor and three C-sections. This year, I’m taking a proactive approach—I’m rallying for my right to enjoy holiday music without the customary groans from the backseat of the car. I want to bask in the joy of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” and revel in all 55 renditions of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” without being labeled a “lame-o.”
Here are ten reasons my family should ease up on their resistance to my festive playlist:
- I don’t often pull the “I carried each of you for 9 (or, let’s be honest, 10) long months” card, but this year, it’s fair game. Without me, three of you wouldn’t even exist, and one of you wouldn’t be a dad. I think that merits a few fa-la-la-la-las for a couple of weeks.
- Contrary to what some teenagers might say, an abundance of holiday music won’t inflict lasting damage on anyone’s mental health or drive them into a life of crime.
- Listening to “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” puts me in a much calmer state of mind, making it less likely that I’ll lose my cool when a certain child asks me 55 times if we can have mushrooms, then inquires if they’re ready, only to declare he doesn’t even like them.
- If I can endure Elmo singing the alphabet, Steve from Blues Clues singing “We Just Got a Letter!” and Dora the Explorer belting out “The Backpack Song” for what feels like two years, surely the family can tolerate Karen Carpenter crooning “Merry Christmas, Darling” for a few weeks without melting down.
- If holiday songs are good enough for John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, they’re certainly good enough for us.
- There comes a point every Christmas when Santa needs extra hands to manage all the holiday preparations. And who do you think he’ll call upon for assistance? Correct—me! Happy helpers spread cheer, and nothing boosts that spirit like a rousing rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
- What would the holiday season be without hearing “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” at least a few times?
- Remember that part of our wedding vows, which mentioned supporting each other in sickness, health, and during the holiday music season? I’m not sure why you’ve forgotten that—were you not paying attention on that momentous day? Don’t you cherish our marriage enough to honor that promise made 22 years ago?
- When Mom is cheerful, the entire family thrives. When I’m not happy, well, we all know how that goes.
- Some of my most treasured holiday moments include nursing a newborn while decorating the tree, being nine months pregnant, and watching our children squeal with joy over Christmas gifts; all of these memories are beautifully accompanied by the sounds of the season.
Every time I hear a Christmas song, it warms my heart and evokes all the best memories from holidays gone by. And if that doesn’t sway you, just remember that your survival just might depend on me enjoying my music.
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Summary
In the annual family struggle over holiday music, a mother humorously argues for her right to enjoy Christmas tunes, emphasizing the joy they bring and the memories they evoke. With reasons ranging from her sacrifices during pregnancy to the happiness of the family, she makes a compelling case for embracing the festive spirit together.