My Christmas spirit shows up at different times every year. I've always felt the urge to resist the commercial pull of starting Christmas prep the day after Thanksgiving. I've always told my self, when I feel the joy of the season in my heart, that's when I'll start preparing for Christmas. Last year, it didn't come until very late in the season. So late I never sent out Christmas cards, which I really regretted. But, I was on a tight deadline and stressed up to my ears.

This year the Christmas spirit came super early. Probably because I'm filled with extra goodwill over the impending arrival of a new family member in just 3 and a half months. But, that also means that my focus for writing is almost nil. I've finally learned not to allow my deadlines to be scheduled in either January or February because December is a nightmare for writing.

That was a wise move for this year, because I'm up to my ears in Christmas cheer and preparing for our baby boy. I'm so excited about these two events, that the characters in my Fall '09 release ROMANCING THE CHEF, whom I dearly love, are far at the back of my mind.

I've promised myself to write 3 pages a day in December, no matter how hard it is to focus. That will allow me to enjoy addressing Christmas cards, finishing holiday shopping, and directing my husband on nursery decorations without a lot of guilt. That will reduce my stress, which is critical this time of year.

We'll see how I do. I'm probably the worst procrastinator on the planet. And knowing I built enough time in my deadline to goof-off during the holidays is not lost on me.

Wish me luck and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!