The Science of Stuck Songs: Why You Can't Escape 'Feliz Navidad'

It's a familiar feeling every December: a festive tune burrows into your brain and refuses to leave. According to a recent study by SeatPick, you're not alone. By mid-December, a full 20% of people are tired of hearing the same holiday songs on repeat. But it turns out there's a scientific reason these tracks get stuck in your head, and it’s more than just constant airplay.

The study identified the top 10 Christmas earworms, with José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” claiming the number one spot. The reason for its inescapable catchiness lies in its staggering repetition. Throughout the song’s three-minute runtime, the title phrase “Feliz Navidad” is repeated 21 times, while the line “I wanna wish you a merry Christmas” is sung 18 times. This simple, looping structure makes it incredibly easy for our brains to latch onto and replay.

Following close behind are Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” and Shakin’ Stevens’ “Merry Christmas Everyone.” SeatPick's analysis suggests that the most potent earworms share a common formula: a mix of repetitive lyrics, harmonic dullness, and a degree of shrillness. For instance, the bells in “Merry Christmas Everyone” trigger nostalgia, but the song is also considered acoustically “shrill,” which helps it penetrate deep into our auditory memory.

Your personality might also play a role. The study found that individuals with obsessive-compulsive or anxious personalities are more prone to getting songs stuck in their heads. This isn't always a negative, however. Calmer tunes, like Pentatonix's rendition of “Hallelujah,” can offer a soothing effect, helping to de-stress during a hectic time of year.

How to Eject a Christmas Earworm

If you're on your millionth mental performance of “Feliz Navidad,” researchers have found a few effective ways to hit stop. The most direct method is to fight fire with fire: play a different song. Your brain will switch focus to the new tune and lyrics, effectively pushing the old one out. SeatPick even points to a tool called “The Earworm Eraser” designed for this purpose.

Distraction is another powerful tool. Engaging your brain in a task like a word search or a puzzle can interrupt the cognitive loop that keeps the song playing. For a surprisingly low-tech solution, a study from Durham University found that chewing gum can disrupt the brain’s ability to 'hear' the song internally. The rhythmic motion of chewing seems to interfere with the subvocal rehearsal of the music.