The holiday season is filled with festive cheer, cozy family traditions, and, of course, an endless loop of Christmas music–from department stores to end-of-year gatherings. For many, the arrival of December brings with it an exciting, albeit slightly annoying, soundtrack of holiday hits. For these people who find the holiday hits a bit too much, the season signals the beginning of an unofficial and increasingly popular challenge: Whamageddon.
So what is Whamageddon?
Whamageddon is a playful, lighthearted “game” that has taken social media by storm over the past few years. The premise is simple: avoid hearing the song “Last Christmas” by Wham! for as long as possible between December 1st and Christmas Day. If you hear the song and recognize it, you’re “out.” The goal is to make it all the way to Christmas without falling victim to this holiday classic. Just comical, right?
The rules are intentionally vague, adding to the fun and debate. For example, some people argue that hearing the song played as part of a non-Christmas playlist or in a public space doesn’t count, while others are adamant that any instance of the song being heard, whether knowingly or unknowingly, leads to immediate elimination. The game’s informal structure has led to creative twists and interpretations, making it a quirky but engaging tradition for many.
Here’s all you need to know about Whamageddon…
The Origins of Whamageddon
The exact origins of Whamageddon remain somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have started in the early 2010s, circulating on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The challenge gained particular momentum in 2018 when it went viral, aided by memes, hashtags (#Whamageddon), and the power of social media influencers and holiday-loving bloggers.
“Last Christmas,” released by Wham! in 1984, is arguably one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable holiday songs of all time. Its infectious chorus, catchy melody, and bittersweet lyrics have made it an annual staple of holiday music playlists across the world. However, this very ubiquity has made it the perfect target for a festive, tongue-in-cheek challenge. The song’s dominance during the holiday season ensures that it’s almost impossible to avoid, and therein lies the challenge’s appeal.
How to Play Whamageddon: Rules and More
Playing Whamageddon is straightforward, but there’s a bit of strategy involved if you want to make it all the way through December. Here’s how to play:
- Start on December 1st: Whamageddon begins when the calendar turns to December. For those participating, the goal is to last until Christmas Day without hearing “Last Christmas” by Wham! in any form.
- Avoid hearing “Last Christmas”: This means any version of the song—whether it’s the original, a cover, or even a remix—whether in a store, at a holiday party, or on the radio.
- If you hear it, you’re out: The moment you hear the song and recognize it, you’re out. Some people argue that you have to know you’re hearing it (no fair accidentally hearing it in the background and not realizing until later), but for most, it’s all about hearing the track and instantly identifying it.
- Survivors go until Christmas Eve: The winner of Whamageddon is the person who makes it the furthest through December without hearing “Last Christmas.” Most players aim to survive the entire month, but many get “out” well before then.
- Have fun: This is a no-stakes game, and the goal is to have fun and get into the holiday spirit while sharing in the collective struggle of avoiding one of Christmas’ most ubiquitous songs.
Why Do People Play Whamageddon?
The appeal of Whamageddon lies in its simplicity and the thrill of the challenge. Here are some reasons why the game has captured the imaginations of so many:
- A Shared Experience: Whamageddon brings people together in a shared holiday experience, uniting them in the struggle to avoid hearing a single song. As friends and family check in with each other about their progress, it becomes a kind of collective holiday bonding experience.
- An Escape from Christmas Overload: The holiday season can sometimes feel like a sensory overload, with Christmas music playing non-stop from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Whamageddon offers a cheeky escape from this festive saturation and turns it into a challenge that adds a little excitement to the monotony.
- The Thrill of Victory: Like many internet challenges, there’s a competitive element to Whamageddon. Making it through the entire month without hearing “Last Christmas” feels like a personal victory, especially when others have fallen to the song.
- It’s a Fun Tradition: The game has become a quirky tradition for many people. While some may be frustrated by the omnipresence of “Last Christmas” in the holiday playlist, others embrace it as part of the fun and nostalgia of the season.
Tips for Surviving Whamageddon
Making it through December without hearing “Last Christmas” is no easy feat, but there are some strategies you can use to increase your odds:
- Control Your Environment: One of the easiest ways to avoid the song is by controlling what you listen to. If you’re in charge of the music at home or at a holiday gathering, keep “Last Christmas” off your playlist. You can also make your own “anti-Wham!” playlist full of alternative holiday tunes to stay safe.
- Avoid Commercials: Many stores and radio stations will bombard you with Christmas jingles, and “Last Christmas” is a frequent guest. If you want to stay safe, avoid shopping centers or restaurants playing holiday music, and be prepared for the inevitable stream of Christmas ads.
- Stay Away from Holiday Parties: If you’re going to a Christmas party, ask about the music selection beforehand. While it’s not always possible to avoid “Last Christmas,” you can try to minimize the risk by attending parties where the playlist is more eclectic or DIY.
- Use Technology: If you’re feeling really committed, you can turn to tools like YouTube or Spotify to listen to curated holiday playlists that don’t include the song. Some apps even have features where you can filter out certain songs, ensuring you stay safe from the dreaded tune.
- Have Fun with It: If you do get “out,” don’t stress! Whamageddon is about fun, not failure. Embrace the humor of it, and celebrate with others who may have been “eliminated.” You can always try again next year.
The End of Whamageddon: Christmas Day
The end of Whamageddon is simple: if you survive the whole month without hearing “Last Christmas,” you win! On Christmas Day, you can relax, knowing you’ve triumphed over one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. However, if you hear it at any point in December, you’re out—no second chances. But the best part? You can always try again next year!
Conclusion
Whamageddon is a quirky, fun, and slightly mischievous tradition that has become a beloved part of the holiday season for many. It’s a reminder that Christmas, while often full of stress and obligations, can also be a time for humor, play, and shared experiences. Whether you win or lose, participating in Whamageddon adds a touch of lighthearted competition to the most wonderful time of the year. So, the next time you hear “Last Christmas,” be sure to ask yourself: are you still in, or are you out?
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