Christmas music holds a unique place in our hearts. Some embrace it with open arms, while others find it a source of annoyance. In this article, we explore the diverse world of holiday tunes and how they can bring joy or frustration.

Uncover the Magic and Mayhem of Christmas Music

Christmas Music: A Love-Hate Relationship

In Contra Costa County, California, Christmas music has always been a topic of discussion. Some people truly adore it, while most seem to have a love-hate relationship with it. Maybe it's the overexposure in holiday ads or the repetitive nature of hearing the same tunes year after year. Whatever the reason, many of us find ourselves in the "bah humbug" camp. But in 2020, something changed. 2: The constant presence of Christmas carols can be exhausting. We hear them everywhere during a time that is often hectic and stressful. It's no wonder that some of us resent these cloyingly festive jingles. However, there are also those who manage to find joy in certain holiday classics.

Discovering New Holiday Tunes

Back in 2020, a new era of holiday music opened up for the author. One of the highlights was "With Bells On" by Michael Edward Scott. This five-song instrumental release features familiar classics in the style of electric guitar-driven Western swing. The opener, "Deck the Halls," starts out straightforward but then takes a turn into a jam boogie, with different guitars adding their own elements. The closing track, "Angels We Have Heard on High," is a masterpiece. Scott employs intelligent four-part harmony and creates an eerie feel with winds and strings. The slight dissonance is resolved in a beautiful way, making it a very imaginative take on an old hymn. 2: Alongside "With Bells On," the author also discovered new, original local holiday music like Tiger Shade's "Corona Christmas" and Sabertooth Unicorn's "Hail Santa." These tunes added a fresh perspective to the holiday music scene and made the author look forward to seeing what local bands would come up with each year.

Infectious Positivity in Holiday Music

"Happy Little Accidents" by Accidents At Sundown is a prime example of infectious positivity in holiday music. This upbeat rock jingle looks forward to an awesome Christmas and the best year yet to come. It's a departure from the band's usual themes of darkness and the underworld, but it works beautifully. The classic anthemic structure towards the end adds to the charm. 2: Local rapper Skinny Hendrixx also contributed to the holiday music scene with his single "A Very Special Christmas." Recorded with his band the Earthtones, the song offers a warm, inviting beat that frames a Christmas family gathering. It's a song that makes you smile and feel the holiday spirit. 3: These new holiday tunes bring a sense of hope and positivity during the holiday season. They help curb the bah-humbug energy that often steals our holiday joy.

Where to Hear the Tunes

You can hear all these wonderful tunes and more on the Beat of Diablo's annual Christmas special, which airs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, on 90.5 FM and streams at KVHS.com. There is also a Spotify playlist available at thebeatofdiablo.com. 2: So, this holiday season, embrace the diversity of Christmas music and let the tunes bring some magic into your life. Whether you love it or hate it, there is something for everyone in the world of holiday tunes.