Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

We’re coming to the end of the year and my telephone is bearing the brunt of it. So is my email account. I don’t know what to do.

My landline is on the “Do Not Call” list, but I still get solicitations. In the past couple days, I’ve heard twice from the American Heart Association and twice from an automated program that wants to know how I will vote in next year’s election. As if I already know! I’ve also heard from some organization that promises a trip to Bermuda for answering a few simple questions.

My email is stuffed with promises of free shipping if I spend a certain amount by a certain date. While these promises don’t require that I reveal my political persuasion, they are still annoying. On top of it, I visited two local chains recently – Meijer and Walgreen’s – and was subjected to Christmas music that would make elevator Christmas music cringe. And it isn’t even Thanksgiving!

I understand that politicians, nonprofits, and retail stores area struggling this year. Money is a dear commodity. But ramping up the solicitations and blasting the holiday music do not make me more inclined to spend. In fact, the reverse occurs.

It’s a conundrum. While I intellectually understand the plight of the non-profit, the politician, and the retail store, I don’t want to be bombarded with any kind of solicitation before its time. For the non-profit, contact me once a year, no more. For the politician, contact me never. And for the retail store, when it comes to Christmas get in touch after Thanksgiving. Otherwise, I’ll hang up on all of you. And delete your emails too.