Some call it “Twixmas,” others call it “Feral Week”, but for future authors, it's becoming known as “Birth Week”: the perfect incubator for your next big move.
Think about it: you could spend the free time between Christmas and New Year's returning sweaters at Macy's or watching Home Alone reruns. But what if you invested this time in writing chapter one of your book instead? One will get you store credit, but the other might get you a $2 million investment deal by March. This year, you have a choice. Do you want to get in the returns line or the legacy line?
If that sounds too good to be true, consider the timeless authors whose creative spark happened in winter's grasp. Jack London wrote The Call of the Wild from his experience in the frozen Yukon. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote parts of The Hobbit during one quite snowy season. And, of course, who can forget the snowy fantasy word of C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Even Mary Shelley found inspiration for Frankenstein during a storm-filled summer that felt more like winter.
This article will show you how to leverage the most overlooked writing opportunity of the year, the magical week between December 26th and January 1st. You will learn why this “Twixmas” is actually your most alive opportunity to kickstart your author journey, the psychological advantages of post-holiday clarity, and see a day-by-day action plan to turn your expertise into a book that builds your authority and grows your business.
December 26 isn't just a day off. It's your launching pad. While others are sleeping off holiday meals, you could be waking up your industry. Let's think about why this forgotten week might be the most important one in your entrepreneurial career.
The Post-Holiday Writing Advantage
Before we talk about the actionable steps for how to leverage the “still in pajamas days,” you need to know why it's such a crucial time to write. Here's why the time between holidays is golden.
- Mental Benefits of Post-Christmas Clarity
It has been reported that 75% of workers are experiencing burnout, so how can you expect to get any writing done during the course of normal work-life balance? That is why the “gap week” is so important. It allows time for us to relax and recharge, bringing us into better mental health.
Think about it: the holiday whirlwind is finally behind you.
Your mind is clear, no more juggling of gift lists, meal prep, or coordinating holiday plans. With the biggest decisions of the season behind you, the mental overload that comes with the holidays is off your shoulders. This is a great time for reflection, and the space between Christmas and New Year's naturally lends itself to introspection.
Plus, you're on the wave of “new year, new you” optimism. These quiet days are sort of bonus time, sans the pressure to perform; you have room to explore what's next. It's a time of year when transformation is full of possibility and excitement. You're mentally primed to turn the page and start something new.
One study reveals that 71% of executives who report very good mental health engage in creative activities more frequently than those who report good, fair, or poor mental health. But why is this? Research suggests that when we are alone with positive thoughts, we're more likely to engage in divergent thinking, a process that helps us come up with unique ideas and solutions.
If these incredibly important reasons are not convincing enough, here are some more practical benefits of writing during this week.
- Practical Benefits of the Holiday Hush
Beyond seizing a quiet moment during the holiday week, writing between the holidays can also allow you an opportunity to maximize a time uniquely designed for productivity.
One study even found a 26% boost in productivity during this week compared to an average one. Considering this, wouldn’t you agree that it is just practical to get your writing done during such a productive time?
Here's why this week is practically made for writing:
- Your office is quiet or closed: Fewer distractions mean you can focus fully on your creative work without the usual workplace interruptions.
- Email traffic slows down: With inbox activity significantly reduced, you're free from the constant churn of responses and notifications.
- No meetings, no problem: Most colleagues and clients are on vacation, leaving you with uninterrupted time to deep dive into your writing.
- Reduced client demands: With businesses slowing down, urgent requests become few and far between, giving you the space to think clearly and work efficiently.
- Social commitments disappear: Once the holiday parties and family dinners are over, your calendar clears, freeing up evenings and weekends for uninterrupted progress.
- Limited external distractions: Many businesses and services are closed, meaning errands and obligations shrink, creating more hours for focused work.
You will be setting yourself up for success by taking advantage of such conditions. With fewer distractions, a quieter atmosphere, and that natural sense of looking back, this week is the most practical time of the year to focus on your writing. Why wait for the New Year to get started when the perfect time is right in front of you? This is your sign to run to your computer, but don't go off writing too fast! First, there are more incredible benefits to consider.
- Business Timing of the Year-End Launch Pad
There's something special about this time of year, and it’s not just holiday lights or festive cheer. Really, the gap between Christmas and New Year’s is when everything you could possibly need for your business book is at your fingertips.
Firstly, the experiences and lessons of the work year are fresh in your mind. Those year-end reviews you just finished? Chock-full of perfect content for your book. Your metrics and data are right there for easy access, making it easier than ever to prove your expertise with real proof. For example, you can use insights from your annual performance reports to highlight key trends in leadership for your book, adding immediate credibility to your message. You can also study your year-end project recap and turn it into a detailed case study, which may become a central chapter. By cherishing what is already fresh and accessible, you can seamlessly integrate real-world examples that relate to your audience.
Not to mention, the holiday season is perfect for networking. In terms of business book writing, that means new material and free promotion. This year, 64.4% of companies report they are having in-person holiday parties. So, instead of gobbling up the free appetizers, you can “gobble up” everything you need to get your book off the ground. You can use holiday parties to touch base with prospective contributors, request testimonials, or even bounce book ideas off your fellow industry professionals. For example, you could go to your corporate holiday mixer and pitch your book idea to a CEO. You never know, they might partner with you to help underwrite your marketing campaign!
Clearly, the holiday gap week is ideal for book writing in order to network and gather ideas. But it's also one of the best times of the year to start thinking about publishing strategically.
- Strategic Publishing Benefits of the Q1 Head Start
With the new year just around the corner, positioning your book for a Q1 release can have serious advantages. While others are still on holiday, you're poised to outshine the competition. You are in the ideal environment for strategy during this quiet period for many reasons.
Of course, a January start to the year coincides with natural momentum in setting goals and starting anew, making it an ideal time to publish a book when readers are especially motivated to invest in fresh insights and self-improvement. Reports indicate that professional and educational book sales boasted the best first quarter in 2024, with sales increasing 11.5%. Make the most of this self-improvement rush by getting your book out there!
Believe it or not, book sale growth does not end with the New-Years-Resolutioners. Studies show that total revenues across all categories for the first quarter were up 0.2% compared to the first three months of 2023, coming in at $3 billion. Wouldn't you want your book to be a part of that success story?
With the advantages of post-holiday writing on your side, it's time to make that potential into progress. But ideas will not get you very far sans action, which is where a clearly focused strategy comes in.
The 5-Day Year-End Momentum Plan (Dec 26-31)
Now that you understand the benefits of writing during the so-called “feral week,” one question likely looms large: How do I stay on track and make sure I actually get it done? It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of starting (or finishing) a big project in such a short time.
But be it timing or focus (or another reason entirely) Authors on Mission is here to coach. Whether you're worried that time will run out or your mind may flit, this plan lays out how to make productive steps toward your writing targets. This five-day framework is a good template because it shows how a professional book-writing team can assist you through the process. Keep in mind that no single approach suits everyone, so project completion can vary depending on your needs as a client.
Without further ado, below is your Five-Day No-Excuses Writing Roadmap, tailored to help you capture the particular energy of December 26–31 and end your year with intention.
Day 1 Brain Dump & Outline
This is where ghostwriting book services really shine. While you may be the type of person who stares at a blank page, overwhelmed, a professional book writing company like Authors on Mission knows just how to take your scattered thoughts and turn them into gold. We will help you apply proven templates that have worked for countless thought leaders and track clear success metrics so you know you are on the right path. So, even if you have twenty years of experience jumbled in your head, our Angel Writers can help you map out a path for your entire book in a snap!
Day 2 Chapter Framework
This is where professional book editing shines through. Once you have a chapter framework, it can act as the pillar that will support your entire message. This happens thanks to:
- Quick organization methods that honor your natural thinking style
- Professional structure support to ensure reader engagement
- Real client examples that show you exactly what success looks like
Think of this as the blueprint building of your book, when the foundation goes right, everything else just automatically falls into place.
Day 3 Content Mining
You might have incredible ideas for your business book. But, without the support of book writing services like Authors on Mission, you are missing out. This is where our book writing experts truly excel. We'll help you:
- Transform your existing materials (blogs, presentations, speeches) into powerful chapters
- Generate fresh content rapidly without compromising on quality
- Build on your success stories and create compelling narratives.
This tried-and-true process has helped clients turn years of blog posts into bestsellers.
Day 4 Story Collection
It's now time to bring your expertise to life with:
- Quick Interview Techniques: Capturing your best stories
- Experience gathering methods that show off your unique perspective
- Client Transformation Stories: Prove your impact
This is where your book goes from informative to unforgettable.
Day 5 Action Plan Creation
By the final day, professional book editing services can make sure that your momentum flows over by:
- Setting realistic timelines that fit in with your schedule
- Providing a support system that keeps you accountable
- Creating a success roadmap that will take you from manuscript to published author
This plan makes writing easier and more manageable. Each step helps you organize your thoughts, build your content, and move closer to a finished manuscript. With the right tools and expert advice, you can turn your goals into reality. Use this plan to end the year strong and take a confident step toward becoming a published author.
Conclusion
Studies prove that 65% of consumers plan to shop during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Do you really want to be one of them? The decision you make during these quiet days between Christmas and New Year's is more than shopping vs. writing. It's about who gets to shape your industry's conversation in 2025.
Think about it this way: The wrapping paper's been recycled, the eggnog's gone, and the biggest gift of all is still waiting to be unwrapped- your author journey. Here's what's possible when you choose to start now:
- Join the ranks of successful business authors who established their industry authority
- Position yourself for lucrative speaking engagements
- Create a passive income stream that works while you sleep
- Build a legacy that will continue to impact people's lives for years to come
Our professional book writing company is ready to take you through each step of your author journey. From initial concept to final publication, we provide the expertise, support, and proven systems you need to succeed.
Schedule your call today at https://www.authorsonmission.com/call and let's make 2025 the year the world hears your expertise.
The clock is ticking. December 26th is coming. Will you be in the returns line, or the bestseller line?
