It’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us already. The decorations are quickly filling up stores and homes, the commercials are incessant, and perhaps most importantly, the music is here. The season is supposed to be a happy time for many, between the movies, the music, and the general good tidings that come along with this time of year.
However, as November turns to December, stress and tension rise among many as the pressures of the holiday amount more and more. Surprisingly enough, the trigger for all of the tension actually comes from one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season- Christmas music.
A recent study done by Victoria Williamson, PhD, who performs research on the psychology of music, describes the effects that songs, specifically holiday related ones, can have on our mental health. Dr Williamson notes, “Our love of music goes in cycles. We hear a song, we like it, we love it, and then eventually it hits a peak and we are all done with it.”
Therefore, if a workplace constantly plays Christmas music during the holidays it can add to stress. As Dr. Williamson explains, “The first few times you hear Jingle Bells or the beloved All I Want For Christmas Is You you may enjoy it, but after the 30th time it can act as a trigger to the stress that the holiday season brings.”
Whether you are someone who starts listening to Christmas music on November 1st or December 1st, make sure that you are checking in with yourself. The holidays are stressful enough, and you should be singing your stresses away along with the musical stylings of Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole. Otherwise, let Rock 105.5 be your holiday music escape.
Happy holidays everyone!
When is it okay to listen to Christmas music? What is the signal that the holidays are officially here? Are you a fan of Christmas music? Sound off in the comments below 🙂
