Charles Petzold

And who isn't at this point? I try to avoid the assault by staying away from malls and other public places during this torturous month, but enough of it reaches my ears to make me truly pity those people who must work in such environments.

As an antidote, check out Bach's Christmas Oratorio, perhaps in the excellent recording conducted by René Jacobs and available in a 2-CD "deluxe" set on the Harmonia Mundi label. Bach's Christmas music isn't as good as his Easter music, but it certainly beats the standard fare.