It’s Nov. 1 as of publishing this. We’re all just getting over Halloween, whether it was a party or walking around for hours with our kids trick-or-treating. Thanksgiving is in the near distance, which means we’ve got menus to start planning
And here’s Mariah Carey, with her annual declaration that “IT’S TIME” to start playing holiday music (and yeah, this her way of reminding you to play her classic, All I Want For Christmas is You).
We here at For The Win started debating this immediately: When is the right time to play holiday music? We were very divided, as you can tell:
It’s…… TIME!!! 🎃🧊🎄 #MariahSZN pic.twitter.com/dp6xEs7LTT
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) November 1, 2023
After Thanksgiving, please!
The one Christmas rule in my house, enforced by my father to protect us all, was that my mom couldn’t start playing Christmas music until Thanksgiving. Then, it was all holiday records every day until February, when she’d switch over to Irish music in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. My youth was scored by entirely too much Bing Crosby, but at least I know the lyrics to “A Squirrel’s Christmas Wish” by heart. — Christian D’Andrea
No holiday songs until after Thanksgiving!
When I was growing up, it became a huge tradition that the family put up the holiday decorations on Black Friday and blasted Mariah Carey (along with Whitney Houston and The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack) at obnoxious levels. Everyone was badly trying to hit the high notes while putting approximately 6,000 mismatched ornaments on the tree. Thus, marking the official start of the holidays. Festive music is NOT to be played until the day after Thanksgiving, and anything before that is blasphemous. I said what I said. — Meghan Hall
Mariah Carey is right!
I started playing it at 12:01 a.m. because this is my damn house AND ANYONE WHO DOESN’T LIKE IT CAN STEP UP AND PAY MY BILLS.
I’ve always started listening annoyingly early (usually Nov. 1) but since Mariah started the “It’s time” videos (I think the first one was like 2017-ish?) I feel like she’s helped normalize it.
Irrationally, I won’t watch holiday movies until after thanksgiving with the exception of The Holiday. — Alex McDaniel
Early December!
While I don’t begrudge anyone playing holiday music throughout all of November, I generally will start early December. This is, however, impacted by what other music I’ve been listening to, so this year there might be more 1989 (Taylor’s Version) than Christmas music. — Caroline Darney
After Thanksgiving is the move
Sorry, Mariah, I love your music, but … you’re wrong. It’s not time to play holiday songs until after Thanksgiving. The beginning of November — when I’m thinking more about what to steal out of my son’s ginormous pile of candy, sorry pal — is too early. — Charles Curtis
Black Friday or bust
Holiday music is fine, but I don’t really want to hear it until Black Friday. I’m simply not in the holly-jolly spirit before then, and that’s typically when my shopping and traveling begins in earnest. I’m happy to blast OutKast’s “Player’s Ball” or some Chuck Berry while eating a leftover turkey sandwich and perusing the online deals on Black Friday. — Mitchell Northam
Now is the time!
As Mariah likes to say, it’s time. November 1 is the day that Christmas music is a go for me. Am I going to start playing it on that day? Who knows. But am I OK with hearing it? Yes, absolutely. Why not? It’s not like there’s Thanksgiving music to play. We need the vibes, man. — Mike Sykes
Nov. 1 is a great time!
I’ve always been a Christmas music on November 1 kind of person. Why? Because Christmas is one of my favorite times of year and the earlier I can get into the season, the better. I don’t need malls and stores and whatnot to change over to all Christmas on November 1, but as long as I can enjoy some holiday tunes in the comfort of my own home as soon as the calendar flips, I’m happy. — Mary Clarke
Once all the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone. Because while I love for my mac & cheese and collard greens to touch — or any sides for that matter — I don’t need my holidays touching. And holiday music is very specifically intended for the Christmas season. — Prince Grimes
