December.

The month that millions of Americans look forward to every year. The month that promises amazing food, tons of presents and quality time with family. December would be the perfect month, except for one small detail: Christmas music.

Yes, I am one of those people. I absolutely cannot stand Christmas music unless it’s actually Christmas. Then, it’s okay. Unfortunately, the corporate world begins to shove “Waltz of the Sugarplum Fairy” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” down my ears mid-November, or sometimes even sooner. Every time I leave the house, I return home with my ears ringing from the abundance of sleigh bells featured in Christmas songs. The annoying tunes stay stuck in my head for hours after.

Most Christmas music is nothing more than a marketing device for companies, especially this early in the month. Businesses believe that these happy, familiar songs will put shoppers in the mood to buy more stuff, and maybe that theory works on most people. However, listening to “Deck the Halls” for the millionth time at Walmart is just as likely to put me in the Christmas spirit as hearing a baby cry.

Please don’t get the impression that I’m the Grinch or Scrooge. I enjoy the holiday season just as much as the next person, but remember, this is the only time of year where one might hear “Silent Night” sung by Justin Bieber in public. Instant ear bleed.

Christmas music is perfectly acceptable the week of Christmas because it makes sense. I actually enjoy it when my mom plays her old Christmas CD while we make holiday-themed cookies. However, Santa Claus is not coming to town until December 24, so there’s no point singing about it on December 1.

If you love Christmas music, don’t think that I’m trying to persuade you to change your ways. I won’t make fun of you or grimace at your song choice, but don’t expect me to join in any holiday sing-alongs. That probably won’t happen any time in the foreseeable future.