It’s Never Too Late for Christmas Magic (Right?)

This year has been… a lot. You know those years where you feel like you’re constantly trying to shake something off but it just keeps clinging? That’s been 2025 for me. Not a good starting point for holiday cheer, I can tell you.

I had this dream of creating an Advent calendar for my readers—something special, something festive, something to bring us all a little Christmas joy. But the idea stayed stubbornly vague. No handle. No shape. Just a fuzzy “wouldn’t it be nice if…” floating around in my head while December crept closer and closer. And the overpowering thought that it would be too much. Too much work. Too much energy needed. Nope.

And then all over sudden it was mid-December (yes, mid-December) and too late to do anything.

Holly Darling just updated her 12 Days of Christmas/Holidays Template and it’s been sitting on my desk for a while. Still: too much. But then I started reading and—click. The muse struck. Hard.

The concept crystallized in my mind, entirely different from what Holly had laid out but inspired by her framework nonetheless. My brain finally found that handle it needed.

So here’s the thing: Is it too late to start an Advent calendar in mid-December?

I’m going to say no. Because can it ever really be too late to jump into Christmas joy?

Introducing: The Christmas Countdown

From December 19-25, I’m running a Christmas Countdown at https://romanceadventcalendar.com (yes, I’ve had that domain sitting there waiting for exactly this moment). Daily posts full of Christmas favorites, cozy content, and guest contributions from romance authors.

Speaking of which…

Romance Authors: I Need You!

I’m looking for guest posts, but here’s my request: please don’t send me your media kit. Boooring.

Still interested? All the details: https://romanceadventcalendar.com

Let’s Make This Happen

So what do you say? Want to join me in this slightly last-minute but hopefully magical Christmas celebration?

If you’re an author who’s interested, head over to romanceadventcalendar.com for all the submission details, or email me directly at ella@ellabraeme.com.

And if you’re a reader who wants to join the fun, head over there anyway to get those daily Christmas emails starting December 19!

It might be mid-December, but Christmas magic doesn’t follow a strict schedule. Let’s dive in together. 🎄✨