Why we are sick of Christmas music

It's easy to find something to dislike about the holiday season: the crowded shopping malls, the unrealistic gift expectations and that moment when you receive your credit card bill and wonder if it was all worth it.

I strongly dislike Christmas music, and now I know why. In a recent blog, by self-proclaimed professional music geek Alan Cross, he explains why many of us can't stand holiday tunes : too much at the same time.

The overwhelming mixture of choir voices, sleigh bells and Yuletide cheer is enough to make anyone shiver at the intro of "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." But, do you know how many times that song will be played?

In the U.S., from October 1st to December 25th, 2011, that song was played 46,492 times. Not to mention, "Winter Wonderland" clocks in at 54,741 times and the classic "Sleigh Ride" was played a whopping 64,317 times.

How is this possible, you ask? Some radio stations switch to an all-Christmas format or add a few songs into every playlist and retail stores play holiday songs in heavy rotation. Even when you aren't listening to the radio, everyone around you seems to be humming a similar tune. No matter where you go, you are surrounded with no way out.

Aside from heavy rotation, what is it about the songs themselves that make them so irritating? Is it the forced cheerfulness? The similar lyrics? Or, is it that we hear the same versions over and over? At least we just have to grin and bear it until December 26th. Merry Christmas!.