Halloween just happened, but “Monster Mash” is a distant memory for two local radio stations.

Star 102.5 and 96.1 Joy FM both switched into holiday mode today, playing mostly Christmas hits on radio waves.

The move to play seasonal songs before the season official begins (winter doesn’t begin until well into December) has delighted some and infuriated others. Listeners have taken to Star 102.5’s Facebook page to rant about reasons for hating or loving the decision to switch song formats in early November.

Facebook fan Victor Schuel wrote, “You know you’ve been at work for a while when you hear the same songs looping two or three times a day. I’m sorry, but 24/7 until New Year’s is WAY too much.”

Others echo Schuel’s concern, suggesting Christmas classics wait until after Thanksgiving, or maybe 102.5 play a mix of holiday and non-holiday songs.

96.1 Joy FM embraced the format change, making a loud and clear statement on social media. As of this morning, the radio station’s Facebook banner reads, “Playing all of your favorite Christmas music now through Christmas day.”

And though it might feel like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want I for Christmas is You” begins hitting airwaves earlier each year, both Star 102.5 and 961. Joy FM switched over to holiday formats exactly one year ago today, on Nov. 9, 2011.

Photo courtesy of Flickr / amanda_munoz.