There is also a natural tendency to have emotional reactions to familiar, nostalgic tunes, often positive and uplifting but sometimes triggering sadness and sense of loss. Traditional holiday music, which is commonly broadcast throughout the season, brings out the excitement and beauty of Christmas, but it can cause negative emotional reactions for some individuals.

If a person is feeling anxious or stressed, listening to slower, peaceful music will have a calming, relaxing effect. When feeling depressed or gloomy, livelier music with a more upbeat tempo can elevate one's mood. In these cases, it further helps to sing along with the music, elevating the level of mental and physical engagement. Selecting and listening to the right kind of music is one of the easiest ways to counteract the stress that people deal with during the holiday season.

"Seek out and enjoy music, and use it for your benefit," states Fletcher. "If you are looking for relaxing music to counteract stress, the sounds from the harp are especially popular due to its unique tonal qualities." She is very active during the holidays with her performances of familiar carols and nostalgic favorites.

Sally Fletcher is a professional harpist and author of The Challenge of Epilepsy (http://www.epilepsyhealth.com) on her personal experiences with the healing power of music. She knows what it is like to be diagnosed with a supposedly incurable disorder. However, she has been seizure-free with no medication for 18 years, and is an advocate and inspirational speaker on the subject of music therapy to aid healing and promote well-being. Sally is available as a harpist for weddings, festivals, private parties, religious gatherings, special occasions, and corporate events in Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Napa Valley Wine Country. As an experienced, professional musician, she is widely sought after for her performances that can cover a wide variety of music, all played on the harp. Her repertoire includes Classical, Popular, Show Tunes, Folk Music, Celtic, Improvisation, and Religious. She enjoys playing the best music from every style, adding her own interpretation. A listing of recorded CDs, including her Christmas Favorites, and more information is available at www.heavenlyharpist.com.