How and Why Music Brings People Together, During the Holidays and All Year Long
Written by Laura Bill, MT-BC
Imagine walking through the store, casually shopping, when all the sudden you remember the trains that used to go around the tree on Christmas when you were a child. Or making a snowman with an old friend you lost touch with years ago. Or sitting in the kitchen with grandma while she cooked for the holidays.
These memories are lovely and cherished, but why on earth did they come up as you were walking around the local food store? In November no less! Then you register the music:
🎶”It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”🎶
Music has a special way of helping us remember, especially for the holidays. When we experience an event that has a very strong emotion associated with it, such as joy, excitement, or sorrow, our brains will tend to store more information about the moment, and will take into account all the details from all the senses and file them away. So even if the memory is hiding in the subconscious, a smell, setting, or song can jolt it to the forefront.
In addition to helping us remember the magical holiday moments, music helps create them! Holiday music helps to bridge generational gaps and create unity amongst people.
Most songs that top the charts come and go within a few weeks, time and time again classic songs “thaw out” and make an appearance during the month of December. No matter if it's the original recording or a new remix, the familiar melodies and lyrics of these songs withstand the change in society's taste due to the nostolaga they bring. This allows young and old alike to bond to their favorite songs creating memories.
And because these songs become so familiar and engrained into society's culture, having meaningful experiences can happen with anyone. Holiday sing-alongs and concerts are very common. When experiencing music together, everyone's heart rates and breathing begin to sync up. Physically everyone is unified which then helps unify everyone mentally as well.
So as we enter the most wonderful time of the year, take note of the music and the memories it will remind you of for years to come.
Happy Holidays!
