There’s a perennial debate that arises at the end of every year when December and the beginning of Advent roll around. It’s one that leaves all of the people who have started humming carols under their breath feeling a little guilty. When is too early to start playing Joy to the World, and is streaming The Manhattan Transfer’s The Christmas Album on Dec. 1 a bit premature? (READ MORE: National Cathedral Slammed for Charging Fees for Christmas Liturgies)

The difficult answer to the latter question is yes. Most of Advent is too early to start listening to Christmas carols. Getting the Christmas feels is all well and good — but not when you’re still weeks out from the actual event. Before you sign off on listening to music altogether (or rebelliously close this article and press play on your Spotify Christmas playlist), you should know that there’s a whole forgotten genre of music intended just for these days of preparation. So, here are just a few suggestions to help you bide the time until Dec. 25. ….