Christmas, the merry and jolly, and bright season, is a time for gathering and enjoyment filled with traditions, signature celebrations, cuisine, music, and movies. Many cultures from all over the world proudly display for everyone to see what Christmas is all about for them. From lighting candles in Colombia, Midnight Mass in Rome, Christmas Tree Light Ceremonies to Advent Calendar Exhibits, nations and states prepared with glee for a time of giving and celebration. In that spirit and on every occasion during Advent and Christmas, very distinctive soundtracks and films accompany the festivities, shopping adventures, and reunions; also part of the flavor of the season is the tailored and curated movies that represent the various experiences, essence, and memories of individuals and communities. Before massive globalization, Christmas movies reached the most unlikely corners of the world through the magic of broadcasting stations through the television, then through DVDs, followed by CDs until the present time courtesy of streaming platforms that open an unlimited library of titles to choose from which allow the global population to share and choose their favorite. The United States is still today the country that has produced the most beloved Christmas Movies the world has ever seen. “Home Alone 1” and “Home Alone 2” are top of the list since their release dates in 1990 and 1992, respectively. Another overseas favorite is “Gremlins,” an unlike plot for a Christmas movie; it was so well received in Europe, Asia, and South America that it has steadily since its release in 1984, followed by “A Christmas Carol” based on Charles Dickens book a bestseller title translated into hundreds of languages in the same bracket is the children’s classic “The Polar Express.” as the visual take on the well-liked homonym book “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, “It A Wonderful Life,” and “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” are the preferred choices in most American households during the holiday season. In Japan, “Tokyo Godfathers” is an unlikely tale that resonates with the advent spirit of redemption. The fresh film “Noel” Joyeux” lifting spirit journey story in France resonates with their people. Great Britain is the chosen destination for Christmas rom-coms such as “Love Actually” and “The Holliday.” Spanish-speaking nations enjoy deeply religious films that retell the story of the miracle of Jesus’s birth, such as “Los Reyes Magos” and “El Camino Christmas.” The soundtrack of Christmas is a worldwide playlist with rythms galore that feature an endless list of artists that pay homge to the Christmas Festivities. From religious songs in various languages to fun tunes the planet engages with the spirit of the Holliday’s. As another holiday season begins, radios all over the United States will start playing holiday music. But while songs such as “Jingle Bells” are well known in America, it is important to realize that other countries have their own musical traditions. These traditions offer listeners an insight as to what the holidays are like for people around the world. As Mexican culture has made a huge impact across the United States, it is important to understand that there’s more to Mexican holiday music than “Feliz Navidad”. “The most well known is called ‘Los Peces en el Río Said Spanish language teacher from the class of 2000 Mr. Paprocki. “‘El Niño de Belén’ is another popular one”. Many Spanish countries share aspects of holiday tradition, however, it is important to realize that each has its own distinct tradition too.“They’re called ‘Villancicos’” Said sophomore Juan Guevara. Villancicos are a popular type of holiday music in Colombia. Additionally, the style of “Merengue” Holiday Music is popular too.”It’s more like December music.” Said Juan. “It’s kind of like… happy songs”. Music is also important to Colombian religious tradition. Juan described that it is popular to sing and pray novenas during the holiday season.Each European country is also incredibly diverse. Poland is one country that has distinct traditional Christmas music. As someone with family in Poland, some Polish carols that we sing include “Dzisiaj w Betlejem” and “Lulajże Jezuniu”.Through all of this, it is important to realize that music is something that makes Christmas unique. Many other traditionally celebrated holidays in other countries do not have their own popular songs. Senor Bao Tran used the analogy of Thanksgiving: it is a really important holiday to Americans, however, it does not have its own music. However, many holidays that do not have their own music come with entertainment with memorable sounds.“No music, but we have sound imagery, like fireworks” Said Señor Bao Tran, describing the Vietnamese celebration of Tet.
Music is a special and unique part of the holiday season. In the end, different countries have different holiday music, but by discovering these differences, the holidays can bring listeners closer together.