Photo courtesy of Michel Caron – UdeS
Professor Ariane Couture, musicologist at the Université de Sherbrooke, shared her insights into the emotional and cultural ties of holiday music, reflecting on its evolution, traditions, and enduring appeal
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
From the jingle of sleigh bells to heartfelt carols, holiday music has a unique power to evoke nostalgia and bring people together. Professor Ariane Couture, a musicologist at the Université de Sherbrooke, shared her insights in a recent interview into why these seasonal melodies hold such a special place in our hearts.
“Christmas music is deeply rooted in our traditions and emotions,” said Couture, who teaches music history and research methodology at the university. “The music becomes a part of our collective identity, anchoring us in shared experiences and memories.” Having joined UdeS in December 2021, Couture also leads the specialized graduate diploma program in music production and performance.
Her recent exploration of holiday music was prompted by a commission from the Université de Bordeaux, which sought a reflective piece for the holiday season. “They thought it would be great to talk about music, and I was interested in examining it through the lens of attachment,” she explained.
A tapestry of traditions
Holiday music transcends genres and cultures, appealing to diverse tastes and traditions. Classics such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Mon beau sapin,” and “Il est né le divin enfant” exemplify the broad repertoire, from secular pop hits to traditional carols.
“This diversity makes holiday music accessible to everyone,” Couture explained. “People love to sing along to familiar lyrics, celebrating in joy and unity.” She notes that the communal aspect of singing or playing music is integral to the season. For many, attending concerts like Handel’s “Messiah” or “The Nutcracker” has become an annual tradition, fostering a sense of belonging.
Couture shared a personal example: “My mother used to sing ‘Les trois anges’ to me as a child. Now, I sing it to my children. It’s a tradition that carries nostalgia and creates new memories. Maybe one day, my children will pass it on.”
Diving deeper, she referenced the sociological theories of Antoine Mignon and Christophe Maisonneur. “They studied how fans develop emotional attachments to pop stars or musicians, and the same principles apply to holiday music,” Couture noted. Repetition and familiarity foster a sense of comfort, linking listeners to cherished memories.
The emotional pull
Holiday music evokes a mix of emotions tied to specific memories and rituals. The professor compares it to a “soundscape” that enriches the holiday season. “The music is part of the atmosphere of preparing good food, sharing gifts, and spending time with loved ones. It creates a particular emotional connection,” she said.
This attachment, however, is not universal. Couture acknowledges that for some, Christmas music can trigger negative memories or feelings of detachment. “For people who don’t have happy associations with the season, the omnipresence of holiday music can feel overwhelming or even painful,” she said. Even ardent fans can grow weary of repeated hits like Wham!’s “Last Christmas.”
Differences also emerge across cultural lines. While English and French holiday music often share themes of joy and celebration, Couture observed subtle distinctions in lyrical content. “The references may vary, with francophone songs sometimes highlighting different traditions or landscapes,” she explained.
Evolving traditions
Looking to the future, Couture predicts that holiday music will adapt to reflect modern realities. “While many of us cling to traditional songs, new compositions must resonate with contemporary audiences,” she said. “Lyrics might shift from themes like large family gatherings to urban experiences or modern challenges, like climate change.”
The influence of pop stars also shapes this evolution. “When a beloved artist releases a Christmas album, fans are likely to embrace it, blending it into their traditions,” Couture observed. This dynamic keeps the genre alive and relevant.
She also foresees a growing emphasis on diversity within the genre. “From country renditions to techno remixes, there is enough variation for everyone to find something they love,” she said. However, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with the attachment listeners have to familiar tunes.
The science behind the songs
Couture’s work is rooted in musicology, the study of music’s cultural, historical, and theoretical aspects. She applies sociological theories to understand how listeners develop emotional attachments to music. “It’s similar to how fans form connections with their favourite artists,” she explained. “The repeated exposure to holiday music fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort.”
Despite its seasonal nature, the holiday repertoire has a year-round impact on the music industry and listeners alike. For Couture, the enduring popularity of Christmas music underscores its role as a cultural cornerstone.
A timeless melody
As December days grow shorter, holiday music continues to light up gatherings with its nostalgic charm and unifying spirit. Whether singing along to Mariah Carey or enjoying a quiet carol, the tunes of the season remind us of the joy, connection, and reflection that define this time of year.
“The beauty of Christmas music is its ability to evolve while still preserving the traditions we hold dear,” Couture said. “It’s a tradition that ties us to the past while making room for new memories and meanings.”