From right after Thanksgiving has passed until Dec. 25 each year, a certain type of music can be heard everywhere: Christmas music. The nostalgic bell sounds and distinct caroling characteristics of Christmas music heard around this time never fails to lighten spirits and brighten moods. Unlike any other type of music, Christmas music definitely deserves to be in its own category, but what exactly differentiates it from other music?

Most of the Christmas songs that we know and love so much have been played for years and years on repeat. This is caused by the psychological exposure effect, where people tend to favor some things due to a prolonged exposure to them. Considering that the most popular Christmas songs have been out for decades, it is likely that we appreciate them because we have been listening to them for such a long time. The Christmas songs that are played on the radio and in public feature many early singers who were popular in the 1900s.  

All types of music actually can draw out emotion from their listeners. Usually, the memories that are formed when the listener hears the music are evoked when they listen to that specific song.

“Holiday music can evoke treasured memories… courtesy of the brain’s filing system. Tonal patterns and autobiographical events are processed in overlapping regions of the medial prefrontal cortex,” said Bonnie Berkowitz from The Washington Post.

Traditionally, during the holiday season, people rejoice with their families, go on vacation, and spread love and affection, which explains why they would associate Christmas with happiness and joy as well.

Technically, there are some other reasons why people feel unusually drawn to Christmas music. A typical Christmas hit song has an allegro tempo, major key, and “audible sleigh bells in the background,” said Berkowitz. The time signatures within the song are catchy and never irregular which helps the listener stay actively engaged with it. 

The lyrics of Christmas songs are generally very “vanilla”, said Berkowitz, or plain and exceedingly happy. Without much depth in the lyrics, listeners can easily enjoy the peppy tunes without having to decipher complex messages within them. The whole holiday season is centered around happiness and relaxation, and these themes are reflected in the lyrics.

Nostalgia, along with upbeat tempos and happy memories that are triggered, are why Christmas songs give us such a great burst of pure serotonin whenever it is played. 

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