As the holiday season rolls around, there’s something in the air aside from the scent of freshly baked cookies. It’s the festive sound of Christmas music filling the streets, stores, and airwaves. From Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it’s impossible to escape the tunes that get us all in the holiday spirit.
But amid the jingling bells and carols, there’s one sound in particular many of us are trying to avoid.
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.
Yes, my friends, it’s time to take The Little Drummer Boy Challenge and be the last person to hear the classic Christmas song. Will you be the winner this year?
Where Did This Crazy Game Come From?
Like all good internet traditions, no one seems to know for sure where it came from, kind of like the fruitcake someone left in the break room last year. But one thing is clear, the challenge gained traction in the early 2010s, thanks to social media, where users could share their eliminations from the game #drummerboychallenge.
The Rules of the Game
The Little Drummer Boy Challenge is simple on the surface but seriously hard to win – avoid hearing The Little Drummer Boy during the holidays.
- Start & Finish Dates: The challenge officially begins at midnight on December 1st and ends at midnight on Christmas Eve. However, I know some families that start at midnight on Black Friday.
- The Rules of Defeat: You’re eliminated if you hear The Little Drummer Boy. It doesn’t matter where it happens—whether it’s in a shopping mall, on a TV commercial, or even as background music while you’re watching a Christmas movie. The moment you’re pa-rum-pum-pum-pummed, you’re out.
- Cover Versions Count: It’s not just the original version of The Little Drummer Boy you have to avoid. Covers by other artists (and trust me, there are many of them) also count. From Bing Crosby’s duet with David Bowie to Pentatonix’s acapella rendition, all versions of the song are considered potential eliminators. There is some debate as to whether instrumental versions count.
- Declare Your Defeat: If you hear the song, the only honorable thing to do is admit defeat – publicly. It’s fun to post your defeat in the form of an obituary on your preferred social media platform. “Tracey was taken by surprise this evening while doing her grocery shopping at Wegmans. She was in the frozen foods, reaching for a bag of pierogi when The Little Drummer Boy got her.”
Avoid Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum-Pum Pitfalls
Now that you know the rules, let’s talk strategy. The Little Drummer Boy Challenge is not for the faint of heart. Here are some tips for keeping those pesky drumbeats at bay:
Headphones Everywhere: It’s time to go antisocial. Whether you’re walking through a store, visiting a coffee shop, or simply riding the bus, headphones are your best friend during the challenge.
Stores Are a Minefield: If you do most of your Christmas shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, you’re playing with fire. With Christmas music playing on a loop, you’re practically guaranteed to hear The Little Drummer Boy at some point. Online shopping is your friend.
Avoid Radio and Streaming Playlists: Tuning into the radio or a generic Christmas playlist is practically a death sentence for this challenge. Stick to non-holiday music or make your own playlist that keeps you safe from the song’s sneaky presence.
Workplace Caution: Offices can be another danger zone, especially if your coworkers are into spreading Christmas cheer. Put the kybosh on playing music without headphones in the workplace.
No Doom Scrolling: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube can be a risky gamble during this challenge. It’s easy to stumble upon a video where someone includes the song.
What do you get if you win? Bragging rights and glares from all your friends. Whether you love Christmas music or want to smash your radio the next time you hear The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy Challenge is a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. Good luck, and may the drums be ever in your favor!
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