Scotty McCreery is feeling jolly these days, and it isn’t even December yet.

Blame it on his mother.

In October, 19-year-old McCreery released his Christmas album, Christmas With Scotty McCreery, and even though Halloween was approaching, his mom went ahead and put up their family Christmas tree.

“I think I was on the road when she put it up,” McCreery said. “I came home and I see the Christmas tree. I mean, it was like mid-October. It was the first time she’s ever done it like that, and it was mainly because the Christmas CD had come out in October. I can see where she got in the mood early this year, but normally [the tree] doesn’t go up until Thanksgiving, or at least afterwards. We ain’t that crazy at our house.”

Well, maybe they are a little. This year, at least.

Scotty also acknowledged, in a recent interview with Taste of Country, that his Christmas album is coming a bit earlier than average in his still-budding music career. And that that’s OK.

“I think it’s a good move,” he said. “I think I’m going to have a lot more time to grow and take my time with my true sophomore album after ‘Clear as Day’ and really find the right songs.”

Continuing on with the earlier-than-usual festivities, this past Monday (Nov. 5), McCreery taped his Christmas With Scotty McCreery & Friends television special, which is set to premiere on GAC Saturday, December 1.

In the special, McCreery sings songs from his Christmas album, including holiday classics like “Let It Snow!” and “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” He also sings one of his new holiday songs, “Christmas in Heaven.”

McCreery isn’t the only country star to start Christmas early. Blake Shelton is also cheering Christmas along, having released his album Cheers It’s Christmas at the beginning of October. And Lady Antebellum has also gotten into the spirit with their brand-new holiday album On This Winter’s Night.

-Ashley Quadros, CBS Local/Sacramento