We still have roughly a month and a half until Christmas hits and many retail outlets across the nation are playing Christmas music. Is it too early?

I found my social media newsfeed filled with friends either ecstatic or annoyed today with the fact that many stores are playing Christmas music with 42 days still remaining until the actual holiday is upon us. The question hit me like a ton of bricks; When is it considered too early to play Christmas music?

Recently, there was a study that revealed playing Christmas music too often is bad for your mental health. Clinical psychologist Linda Blair (not the actress from "The Exorcist") says that constant Christmas music reminds us of all the things that need to be done before the holiday is here, which could bring a lot of stress. Let's be honest, Christmas is a busy holiday with shopping, family gatherings, traveling, etc.

A survey was also taken of some of the nation's top stores just to see how early Christmas music is being played in their retail chains and here are the results:

Oct. 22 Best Buy

Nov. 1 Sears, Kmart, Michael’s, Lane Bryant, Maurice’s

Nov. 5 Ulta beauty stores

Nov. 9 Belk, H&M

Nov. 11 Office Depot, Office Max

Nov. 13 Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods

Nov. 16 Verizon Wireless

Nov. 18 Staples

Mid-November Macy’s, AT&T stores

Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving) J.C. Penney, Giant Eagle

Nov. 24 (Black Friday) Publix, Target, Home Depot, Nordstrom, Whole Foods, Lowe’s, Albertson’s, Sprouts, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Foot Locker

Late November Petco

Dec. 1 Stater Bros. supermarkets

Stores who didn’t reveal a date: Starbucks, Apple, TJ Maxx, Ross, Ikea

Stores that don’t play any music: WinCo Foods, Costco, AutoZone, GameStop

As you'll notice, plenty of these stores are in Bismarck. And how about Best Buy not even waiting until Halloween for Christmas music? That's a little excessive.

In my personal opinion, I think Black Friday is the day when retail stores should install the Christmas music. You don't have to worry about Thanksgiving anymore and now there's just about a full month to prepare for Christmas. Kudos to Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Foot Locker and all others who are getting it right. Well done, guys!

It really is to each their own in terms of Christmas music. Play as much or as little as you'd like in your stores (within reason). Regardless, the holiday season is upon us, so let's enjoy it, North Dakota.

 

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