Time To Deck The Halloween Halls
BY KEVIN STUDER
Editor-in-Chief
With Halloween being today, it is hard to believe that there has been Christmas music in stores for over two weeks.
It was surprising when iTunes released Broadway and “Frozen” actress Idina Menzel’s new album “Holiday Wishes” on Oct. 14 – more than 15 days before Halloween. Menzel was one of the many who were surprised as well.
“The album [came] out October 14. I think that’s ridiculous! I don’t understand. I’ve been asking the label to tell me why. Apparently that’s when people start buying stuff for Christmas,” said Menzel to TIME. “Okay, that’s cool, but I’m barely into Halloween with my son! I completely understand if people aren’t ready for it until Thanksgiving.”
When looking at the past few years, releasing holiday music in October has become the norm.
Back in 2007, Disney released their “Disney Channel Holiday” album on Oct. 16. This started getting kids in the holiday spirit with songs from Aly & AJ, The Cheetah Girls and Jonas Brothers. At the same time, parents were still trying to get their kids in their Halloween costumes for parades at school.
“Christmas music aimed toward children shouldn’t be released this early,” said Brooke Rudisill, junior. “Parents are having a hard enough time getting through Halloween without already starting Christmas.”
A year later, Menzel’s “Wicked” co-star Kristin Chenoweth released her album, “A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas.” This turned into a lovely way to spend Halloween, as it was also released on Oct. 14.
Kelly Clarkson then released “Wrapped in Red” on Oct. 25, 2013. Two of the songs from the album “White Christmas” and the original song, “Underneath the Tree,” were released as singles over a week before the album was released. Clarkson then filmed a holiday television special on Oct. 30, which was not fully released until Dec. 11, though some of the footage was released as music videos prior to this date.
This year does not seem to be any different with the early holiday music trend. In addition to Menzel’s album, country singer Darius Rucker released his Christmas album on Monday. While he is singing “Winter Wonderland,” others are still seeing goblins and ghosts running around the streets.
Even more shocking, comedian Seth MacFarlane released his Christmas album on Sept. 30 this year. Some find it hard to believe that Halloween decorations are being advertised before Oct. 1, much less Christmas advertising.
“I think it’s way too early to have Christmas music,” said Meaghan Boutwell, graduate student. “Even Thanksgiving is too early. I mean I get mad when Black Friday starts during Thanksgiving.”
It is hard to tell if Christmas music being released this early is a trick or actually a treat. Though if one starts singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” before Halloween, then they have two months to make sure they get home.
