The holiday shopping season is officially underway, marked by the removal of Black Friday sales signs and the onset of Christmas music in stores. As retailers ramp up their festive displays, shoppers are met with a familiar soundtrack of repetitive holiday tunes. Songs like "Santa Baby," "White Christmas," and various renditions of "Jingle Bells" dominate the airwaves, creating a festive atmosphere for some but a challenging environment for retail employees. Retailers have long recognized the impact of background music on consumer behavior, believing it encourages shoppers to linger and spend more. However, the effectiveness of this strategy, especially so far ahead of Christmas, is debatable. Many shoppers may find the constant repetition of holiday songs grating rather than enjoyable. For retail workers, the situation is even more difficult. Employees, including cashiers and stock clerks, are subjected to the same loop of holiday music for hours on end during their shifts. One retail worker described her experience, saying she felt "scarred" after enduring the same songs for two holiday seasons, particularly the 1984 hit "Last Christmas" by Wham! "You couldn’t get a moment of peace," she recalled, noting that the music even played in the restrooms. Experts have pointed out that overexposure to repetitive music can have negative effects on mental health. Elizabeth Margulis, a professor of music at Princeton, explained that repeated listening often leads to a decline in enjoyment, creating an inverted U-curve effect. "There’s this point where it turns around and starts going down the other side. Often at the end, you like it even less than in the beginning," she said. Despite these concerns, workplace safety regulations in Ontario do not address the mental health implications of repetitive music. While there are protections for workers exposed to noise, these laws focus on volume and dissonance rather than the psychological impact of repetition. As the holiday season progresses, the question remains: does the practice of playing Christmas music in stores enhance the shopping experience or simply contribute to a stressful environment for employees? Many workers may find themselves longing for a break from the relentless holiday jingles, while shoppers continue to navigate the festive soundscape. In contrast, some people embrace the holiday music, viewing it as a cherished tradition that brings nostalgia and joy. They argue that Christmas music spans various genres and styles, offering something for everyone. For them, the familiar tunes evoke memories and a sense of community during the holiday season. As the debate over Christmas music in public spaces continues, it highlights the differing perspectives on this annual phenomenon. Whether viewed as a source of joy or a cause of stress, the presence of holiday music is an inescapable part of the retail experience during this time of year.