A week ago, I was panicking that I was behind on getting out Christmas cards, getting presents purchased, and feeling like Christmas was coming too fast.

Fast forward to this week- my cards are mailed, all but three presents are purchased and sent, and other than not having an oven to start baking, I’m feeling pretty good about where I’m at in terms of being ready for Christmas.

I’m headed to Eugene tomorrow to sell books at an Authors and Artists event that is in conjunction with a large Holiday Market at the Lane County Fairgrounds. The event is Saturday from 10 – 5. I only have 4ft of space on a table so I had to be creative with the books I am taking and how to set up.

I’m thinking about downsizing when I do events where I’m not using my book trailer. It is a lot of work hauling so many (65) print books into and out of buildings, not to mention the boxing up and putting in the vehicle. I have half a dozen western romance books that are rarely purchased. I’m thinking they will start staying home when I’m having to pack so many books into a venue.

Also, looking ahead, I’m hoping to stay focused on writing my usual four books in 2026, even though we are moving to another town by the end of March. The first quarter will be a struggle, but I need to get the next Gabriel Hawke book written then. I don’t know the title yet, and I’m still trying to determine how much of an event that is happening that draws Hawke into the middle of a missing woman and child will be in the book, or be the prologue, and then the book jumps forward in time. In other words, I’m still stewing and brewing the book as I listen to Merry Merry Merry Murder being narrated by Ann M. Thompson, and I prepare for Christmas.

If you missed out on the specials I told you about last month, they are still going on until the end of the month.

I have Christmas specials going on for the month of December. You can download an ebook or audiobook bundle of Double Duplicity, Murder of Ravens, and Poker Face for FREE! Here are the bookfunnel links to get all three:

Mystery audiobook bundle https://books.bookfunnel.com/Holidayaudiobundle​

Mystery ebook bundle https://books.bookfunnel.com/holidayebookbundle​

I also have FREE first in series ebooks for these, only at my author website:

Mayan Moon holiday sale – https://www.patyjager.net/product-category/isabella-mumphrey-adventure-ebook/​

Spirit of the Mountain sale – https://www.patyjager.net/product-category/native-american-spirit-trilogy-ebook/​

Marshal in Petticoats – https://www.patyjager.net/product-category/halsey-brothers-series-ebook/​

I’m giving/gifting these books to readers with the hope you find using my website easy and will purchase books in the future from my website as it takes out the middle man. And usually my books are available in ebook and audiobook here before they are available at other vendors.

Do you have your tree up? Do you have outside lights? And are your cards all sent? Let me know if you are moving along with your holiday celebrations.