Try as I might to resist, there’s a weariness that’s invaded me. It’s a feeling caused by the overwhelming displays, sales and reminders — as if we could ever forget what’s coming — promoting Christmas. All that beginning two to three weeks before Thanksgiving.

My issue isn’t against merchants wanting to sell products and services as presents. We all know happiness can be bought. Rather, it’s just the herd mentality they all demonstrate. If one shop decides to put out a sign a week before this month’s holy day, then the others feel compelled to do the same for fear they’ll miss out.

Ideally, I would like to reassure each and every one that customers actually might be more inclined to shop at places that don’t bombard them with the scents, sights and sounds of the season. But what do I know? I’m not a businessman.

All I can suggest to you, reader, is to learn to tune it all out as best you can until you are ready.

Much earlier this month, I had to start doing that very thing while visiting my dentist for an early morning cleaning. After checking in, I sat down in the waiting room and began to quickly flip through a magazine already advertising you know what. My left ear was hearing the television promoting only proper dental hygiene. My right ear caught the strains of something else … something musically familiar. Concentrating, I realized it was a Christmas song. In the words of Charlie Brown, “Aaargh!”

Calmly, though, I went to the receptionist’s desk and informed the three staff members that had I not already signed in, I would have rescheduled. They lowered their eyes, sighed and nodded their heads in understanding. Suffice to say, drilling the music in patients’ ears wasn’t their call. I can truly sympathize with those poor souls. I’m praying for you, ladies.

Mercifully, I was taken to a room blissfully free of holiday spirit.

Having to hear “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” as the dentist tells me I have another cavity would have been unforgivably cruel.

Early next month I must return to fill said cavity. I’m hoping to be in a more festive mood by then.

If not, perhaps I’ll find it in the painkiller … certainly later in a bottle of spirits of my choosing.

STEPHEN H. COWLES is the managing editor of Windsor Weekly. He recommends Woodford Reserve bourbon or Stolichnaya vodka. Contact him at 562-3187 or editor@windsorweekly.com.