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.
