This morning fans of Mrs. Hova woke to an unexpected surprise. Beyoncé released a new album, without warning, that contains 14 new songs and 17 videos in what she’s claiming is her first "visual album."

The quiet release is something unheard of in today’s industry of overkill and wish-they’d-shut up-about-it marketing. We’re not sure why exactly she took this route to release the new work, but given that we’re plenty sick of Katy Perry’s gold truck and Ron Burgundy’s ubiquitous appearances, it’s a refreshing feeling to know that we won’t be bombarded with everything Beyoncé.

According to an accompanying press release, Beyoncé said that:

I didn't want to release my music the way I've done it. I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There's so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn't want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it's ready and from me to my fans.

Santa, you’re done, sorry. That antiquated sleigh of yours with the reindeer and North Pole dust up your nose isn’t a thing anymore. It’s all Beyoncé and her magical powers of album releases that’s giving the people presents this year.