LMN Corporation's board of directors declared a $$0\mathrm{.}50$ per share dividend on Wednesday December $2.$ The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on Monday, December $28.$ The dividend will be sent to shareholders on Tuesday, January $19.$ What is the most likely ex$-$dividend date?

A$)$ December $26$

B$)$ December $24$

C$)$ December $27$

D$)$ December $28$