Its Meaning, Rules, Song, Game

The holiday season is filled with festive merriment, fun family traditionsand of course an endless array of Christmas music – from department stores to end-of-year gatherings. For many, the arrival of December brings with it an exciting, if somewhat annoying, soundtrack of holiday hits. For those people who find the holidays a bit too much, the season marks the beginning of an unofficial and increasingly popular challenge: Whamageddon.

So what is Whamageddon?

Whamageddon is a playful, light-hearted ‘game’ that has taken social media by storm in recent years. The premise is simple: avoid hearing the song “Last Christmas” by Wham! as long as possible between December 1 and Christmas Day. If you hear and recognize the song, you are ‘out’. The goal is to reach it all the way Christmas without falling victim to this holiday classic. Just comical, right?

The rules are intentionally vague, which adds to the fun and discussion. For example, some people argue that hearing the song played as part of a playlist outside of Christmas or in a public place doesn’t count, while others are adamant that every time the song is heard, consciously or unconsciously, leads to immediate elimination. The informal structure of the game has led to creative twists and interpretations, making it a quirky yet captivating tradition for many.

Here’s everything you need to know about Whamageddon…

The Origin of Whamageddon

The exact origins of Whamageddon remain somewhat unclear, but it is generally believed to have started in the early 2010s and circulated on social media platforms such as 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! from 1984, is perhaps one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable Christmas songs of all time. Its catchy chorus, catchy melody and bittersweet lyrics have made it an annual fixture on holiday music playlists around the world. This ubiquity, however, has made it the perfect target for a celebratory, tongue-in-cheek challenge. The song’s dominance during the holidays makes it almost impossible to avoid, and therein lies the appeal of the challenge.

How to play Whamageddon: Rules and more

Playing Whamageddon is simple, but there is a bit of strategy involved if you want to last through the month of December. This is how you play:

1. Starts on December 1: Whamageddon begins when the calendar turns to December. The goal for the participants is to last until Christmas Day without “Last Christmas” by Wham! in any form.
2. Avoid hearing “Last Christmas”: This means any version of the song (whether it’s the original, a cover or even a remix), whether it’s in a store, at a party or on the radio.
3. When you hear it, you’re gone: As soon as you hear and recognize the song, you’re gone. Some people argue that you should know you’re hearing it (it’s not fair to accidentally hear it in the background and only realize it later), but for most it’s all about hearing the song and identifying it immediately of it.
4. Survivors go until Christmas Eve: The winner of Whamageddon is the person who goes the furthest through the month of December without hearing ‘Last Christmas’. Most players aim to survive the entire month, but many make it out well before then.
5. Have fun: This is a no-stakes game, and the goal is to have fun and get into the holiday spirit while participating in the collective struggle to avoid one of the most ubiquitous Christmas carols.

Why do people play Whamageddon?

The appeal of Whamageddon lies in the simplicity and excitement of the challenge. Here are some reasons why the game has captured the imagination of so many:

• A shared experience: Whamageddon brings people together in a shared holiday experienceand unites them in the fight not to hear a single song. As friends and family check in with each other on their progress, it becomes a kind of collective holiday bonding experience.
• An escape from Christmas overload: The holidays 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: As with many internet challenges, there is a competitive element to Whamageddon. Getting through the entire month without hearing “Last Christmas” feels like a personal victory, especially if others have fallen for the song.
• It’s a nice tradition: The game has become a quirky tradition for many people. While some may be frustrated by the ubiquity of “Last Christmas” on the holiday playlist, others embrace it as part of the fun and nostalgia of the season.

Tips for surviving Whamageddon

Getting through December without hearing “Last Christmas” is no easy feat, but there are some strategies you can use to increase your chances:

1. Manage your environment: One of the easiest ways to avoid the song is to control what you listen to. If you’re in charge of the music at home or at a festive gathering, leave ‘Last Christmas’ off your playlist. You can also create your own “anti-Wham!” playlist full of alternative holiday songs to stay safe.
2. Avoid advertisements: 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 malls or restaurants playing holiday music and be prepared for the inevitable flood of holiday ads.
3. Stay Away From Holiday Parties: If you are going to a Christmas party, ask in advance about the choice of music. While it’s not always possible to avoid “Last Christmas,” you can try to minimize the risk by going to parties where the playlist is more eclectic or DIY.
4. Use technology: If you’re feeling really involved, you can use tools like YouTube or Spotify to listen to curated holiday playlists that don’t include the song. Some apps even have features that let you filter out certain songs, keeping you safe from the dreaded tune.
5. Have fun with it: If you do figure it out, don’t worry! Whamageddon is about fun, not failure. Embrace its humor and celebrate with others who may have been “eliminated.” You can always try again next year.

The end of Whamageddon: Christmas Day

The ending to Whamageddon is simple: if you survive the entire month without hearing ‘Last Christmas’, you win! On Christmas Day, you can relax knowing you’ve conquered one of the most iconic Christmas carols of all time. However, if you hear it sometime in December, you’re out: no second chance. 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 holidays for many. It reminds us that Christmas, while often full of stress and obligations, can also be a time for humor, play and shared experiences. Win or lose, taking part in Whamageddon adds a touch of light-hearted competition to the most wonderful time of the year. So the next time you hear “Last Christmas,” ask yourself: are you still in it, or are you gone?

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