Christmas music is a major part of the holiday season. Pop stars release Christmas albums and shops and restaurants play the songs for their customers. These carols appear in many places and make a familiar mood for shoppers and diners.
According to a short summary, the history of carols spans almost 2,000 years. A music professor, Ariana Wyatt, studies why carols stay popular. She says the music is unusually steady, and that stability helps carols remain part of public and commercial life.
Difficult words
- carol — A traditional song sung at Christmas timecarols
- span — To reach across a period of timespans
- professor — A teacher who works at a university
- familiar — Easy to recognize because seen before
- stability — The quality of being steady or not changing
- commercial — Related to business, shops, or selling things
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you hear Christmas songs in shops or restaurants where you live? Where?
- Do you like hearing the same Christmas songs every year? Why or why not?
- Do you prefer new holiday songs or traditional carols? Explain.
Related articles
Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate
The Caribbean saw political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, major cultural wins and environmental challenges. Hurricanes and renewable energy plans shaped the year, while sport successes and political debates marked regional headlines.
