I had an epiphany the other day at my piano lesson. (Yes, I take piano lessons. And no, I’m not a good student.) (Or a good pianist.)

She asked if I wanted any Christmas music for homework. I quickly said no. “Why not?!”

Hmmm…

In that brief instant, I realized why I’m not a fan of premature Christmas music:

By the time Christmas is upon us, I’ve been subjected to so much holiday music that I don’t want to hear anym0re. (I know – the blasphemy!) I’m tired of it before the day ever arrives. It’s been profaned by the immeasurable amount of commercialism in our country. Profaned by radio stations who want to increase listeners. Profaned by the stores who start playing it before Thanksgiving even hits. Profaned by TV, movies, etc etc etc… All in a cultural push for shopping and Santa and stuff. Thanks to the blatant commercialism of one of Christianity’s most holy days, THE day isn’t as enjoyable for me. By then, I’ve had enough of the music.

What does all this have to do with the title for this post? I try to avoid the music on the radio and in the stores for as long as I can, in an effort to preserve the music for the big day. Because I love it so much, I try not to listen to it until its time.

Does this make me crazy? Probably.

But those of you who like to listen to Christmas music year round? Y’all are a bit crazy, too.