Ryan Tubridy left listeners divided this morning as he weighed in on the eternal debate over when it's okay to start getting into the Christmas spirit.
Families and friendships have imploded over this most contentious of questions – when, exactly, is the right time to put your tree up, get out the decorations and start belting out the Christmas tunes?
And you couldn't accuse Tubs of fence-sitting, after he told listeners: "There are no rules when it comes to something like Christmas.
"You're allowed – you should be allowed – to do stuff."
'Stuff', in the Dubliner's estimation, includes "putting up decorations, and listening to a certain kind of music.
"I'm going to have a long run-in to Christmas, and therefore why shouldn't I encourage you to do the same," he added.
Christmas houses have started popping up around the country in recent weeks, as Ireland prepares for a festive period under the lingering shadow of Covid-19.
And the 47-year-old RTE star was passionate as he argued that starting Christmas early can actually benefit your mental health.
He cited a CNN report that contends that getting into the spirit of Christmas has been scientifically proven to brighten our mood.
"It appears that it's related to childhood and nostalgia, and looking back in time and thinking: 'Oh, that's nice. I remember that, and therefore it puts me in a good mood.'
"And we habituate, they say. You kind of get used to any setting you're in. But when we introduce new things into our environment, it stimulates our senses.
"And our senses, of course, are the wiring to our entire physiological system.
"So when we introduce colour, and light, and sound – the sound of music around Christmas time, the tastes, et cetera – it makes us feel good.
"What I'm trying to say is: get the decorations out, get busy, go ahead."
