Christmas songs are part of the season. Most establishments and radio stations play them as early as November. They help condition the brain and set the holiday mood. It is said that music releases a brain chemical called dopamine which is a neurotransmitter that rewards human activities linked to pleasure. This is the reason why most people feel good when listening to Christmas songs. It reminds people of pleasant memories and common holiday cheer
People shop more when establishments play them. Based on surveys, 95% of consumers are in the shopping vibe and tend to splurge when holiday tunes are played as compared to everyday music they are familiar with, for the reason that it ignites the festive mood and brings about good feelings.
Here is a list of top 10 most played Christmas songs in the UK:
1. All I want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
2. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
3. Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade
4. Stop the Cavalry – Jona Lewie
5. Do They Know it’s Christmas? – Band Aid
6. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
7. Last Christmas – Wham
8. I Believe in Father Christmas – Greg Lake
9. Step Into Christmas – Elton John
10. Wonderful Christmas Time – Paul McCartney
Source: PPL & PRS for Music
Other popular Christmas songs include Jingle Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, White Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Baby. The types of songs played are also vital factors. Some Christmas songs actually drive people away. So it is best to stay with a common playlist that everyone loves.
Image from flickr./com/photos/amanda_munoz