I'm normally a firm no-thinking-about-Christmas-until-you're-digesting-turkey sort of person. But I'm also an obsessed-with-my-characters person (good if you're a writer). So I compromised a little today by letting myself think about what would be on my characters' holiday wish lists. Breelynn would totally swoon for the button-up, lace trimmed leg warmers and copy-cat the fabric "indoor snowballs" for her younger sibs. Jonah would score bringing them special glasses (think like 3D movie glasses) that make pictures appear over top of twinkle lights. For himself, though? I'm going to have to think about that one.
In addition to wish lists for characters, I also like to think about what my characters already have. What's in their lockers? Backpacks? Cars? Bedrooms? Our stuff tells stories about us, and your characters' stuff can set a mood through creating the setting, inspire memories about a particular object, give insights into their personalities, and so much more. Right now I'm off to write a couple scenes inspired by stuff Breelynn keeps in her bedroom. They probably won't be as good as what just went through your mind. ;-) But that's what December edits are for.
On second thought, might have to do that after I shovel. Psst - Michigan! It's not December yet! You can stop snowing now...