As the holiday season draws closer, the constant sound of the classic Christmas tunes fill the air and the debate about holiday music emerges once again. These classic songs are played on repeat just about anywhere you go. To some they may spark nostalgia and holiday spirit, but to others they are the most dreaded part of Christmas. However, the perfect balance of sounds and scents may encourage people to spend more time in a shop and boost sales.
Christmas music can have a positive or negative psychological effect on consumers. Spotify reports that listening to Christmas music spikes during November and December. Experts state that the oversaturation of holiday music may reinforce the stress and anxiety that comes along with Christmas. Additionally, “It can also be downright distracting, affecting employee productivity and irritating consumers” (Wilding). Employees often spend their energy working to tune out the Christmas music and are unable to focus on anything else. This can create added stress on the brain which has to work harder to focus. Experts believe, “Playing the same Christmas songs all season long produces cognitive fatigue” (Wilding). This fatigue can lead to increased anxiety and stress. One way to reduce this is by varying the playlists and controlling the volume. Studies show that wintry scents can also spark the holiday spirit. By recruiting a variety of senses, stores can target buyers and improve sales. Slow music tends to slow shoppers encouraging them to spend more time in the store, while fast-paced music can rush customers through the stores (Listening to Too Much Christmas Music Is Bad for Your Health). Stores who achieve the balance between providing Christmas cheer while not overwhelming the customer, can boost overall profits and sales. The deliberation of the benefits and drawbacks of Christmas music continue; however, through the perfect balance both sides can be satisfied.
Works Cited
“Listening to Too Much Christmas Music Is Bad for your Health.” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 17 Dec. 2018, www.independent.co.uk/life-style/christmas-music-listening-too-much-health-bad-effects-psychology-a8040336.html. Accessed 2 Dec. 2020.
Wilding, Melody. “Holiday Music Is Bad for Your Mental Health, According to Science.”Business Insider, Business Insider, 12 Dec. 2019, www.businessinsider.com/science-says-holiday-music-is-bad-for-your-mental-health-2017-12. Accessed 2 Dec. 2020.
I think you make a valid point, but if Christmas stresses you out, you’re doing Christmas wrong. As if Christmas music incites a sort of festive PTSD. I may just not be open minded enough to understand that Christmas music can do anything but cause widespread yuletide cheer.