Don’t get me wrong. I love the holiday season as much as the next person, but when stores start blasting “Jingle Bells” before we’ve even celebrated Thanksgiving, it can get a little grating.
If you’re like me and feel this way, it might not just be about the music. It could reveal something deeper about our personalities.
Here are some traits you might recognize if you’re one of those people who cringe at early Christmas carols. Let’s dive in and see what they are, shall we?
1) You’re a creature of habit
We’re all wired differently, and one of the ways this shows up is in our comfort with change.
If you’re someone who finds solace in routines and predictability, hearing Christmas carols in November might rub you the wrong way. Why? Because it disrupts the natural order of seasons and holidays for you.
It means that you prefer things to be clear-cut, predictable, and in its proper place – including when it’s appropriate to start playing Christmas music.
Next time your local store starts playing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” early, understand that it’s not just about the music. It could be your brain saying, “Hey, it’s not time for that yet!”
2) You hate feeling controlled
Where do we typically hear Christmas music in November? It’s not usually in the comfort of our homes, played by choice, and there certainly aren’t any kids knocking on doors to sing carols this early.
No, it’s in retail environments. And if you’re like me, you probably can’t help but feel that these songs blaring so early are just another tactic to manipulate us into spending more.
Seasonal music in stores is often paired with decorations and other cues to put shoppers in a festive, feel-good mood—essentially encouraging us to buy things we might not otherwise consider.
For those of us who value our autonomy, this can feel less like holiday cheer and more like an intrusion.
Experts would seem to agree. As Ron Friedman, a motivational psychologist noted in a Forbes post research suggests that “when we feel pressured by others to think or act a certain way—as we might when stores pressure us to get in the holiday spirit—we become motivated to reassert our freedom by doing the exact opposite.”
Hating that sense of control doesn’t make you a Grinch; it’s a sign you’re attuned to marketing strategies and refuse to be influenced without your consent —and that’s probably something to be proud of.
3) You have a heightened sense of empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, can sometimes make us more sensitive to our surroundings. It’s like we’re tuned in to the emotional frequency of the world around us.
When it comes to hearing Christmas carols in November, this heightened sensitivity might make us consider the retail workers who have to listen to these songs on repeat for hours. Imagine listening to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” for the hundredth time before December even begins!
However as noted by experts, this is actually a good thing for you. For instance, researchers of a 2017 study noted that “Empathy plays a critical interpersonal and societal role, enabling sharing of experiences, needs, and desires between individuals.”
4) You don’t enjoy nostalgia
This might seem like a strange one, but hear me out.
For many people, loving Christmas songs is all about nostalgia. These songs transport us back to childhood or special moments from the past.
As Psychology Today contributor and Professor of Psychology Ira Hyman wrote, “Our list of holiday favorites is often about nostalgia. These songs remind us of our childhood or other important times in our lives.”
But maybe you’re not someone who enjoys looking back so much. Perhaps the past—Christmas or otherwise—holds memories you’d rather not revisit. Instead of dwelling on what was, you might prefer focusing on what’s ahead.
If that sounds like you, hearing Christmas carols might feel less festive and more like an unwelcome reminder of moments you’ve left behind. Your future-focused mindset means you’re energized by looking forward, making plans, and creating new traditions instead of replaying old ones.
5) You are prone to anxiety
This one might hit close to home.
As psychologist Linda Blair has explained, Christmas music “might make us feel that we’re trapped. It’s a reminder that we have to buy presents, cater for people, organize celebrations.”
For those of us prone to anxiety, these early reminders can feel overwhelming—like the holiday pressure is breathing down your neck before you’ve even had a chance to prepare.
Instead of creating excitement, the music becomes a trigger for stress, signaling everything you still have to do. This can leave you feeling like you’re running out of time, even when the holidays are still weeks away.
Recognizing this reaction is the first step to managing it. Try focusing on the parts of the holiday season that genuinely bring you joy and set boundaries to avoid unnecessary stress.
After all, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
6) You appreciate authenticity
I’ve always prided myself on being authentic and valuing that same quality in others. There’s something about the genuine connections we make when we’re true to ourselves that just feels right, you know?
Now, when I hear Christmas carols playing in the grocery store while I’m still shopping for my Thanksgiving turkey, it feels… well, a bit fake.
I would say this is because I value authenticity. I crave experiences that feel genuine and true to their time and place. And hearing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” while I’m picking out pumpkins and autumn leaves just doesn’t sit well with me.
Perhaps you can relate?
Final thoughts
If you find yourself cringing at Christmas carols in November, it’s not about being a Grinch—it might just reveal something unique about your personality.
Whether it’s your love of authenticity, your empathy for others, or your focus on the present and future, these traits are part of what makes you, you.
So next time “Jingle Bells” starts a little too early for your liking, don’t sweat it. Embrace what you value most, and remember: the holiday season is what you make of it—on your own terms.
