Hey Texas!
The go-getter in me is saying...why wait until after Christmas? Even if you go overboard on the actual holiday, you'll be starting off at a lower weight after Christmas if you start paying attention to your choices now. Even just a little bit can make a big difference, and you can start off after Christmas already on the right track...just a thought!
As for how you live...well, you'll get different perspectives. I personally am a calorie counter, so I can have a sugary treat sometimes, if I really want one, by working it into my calorie allowance. I really like that nothing is "off limits" - I just have to work it in. Since sugary foods have more calories than more nutritious choices, I'll usually decide instead to have MORE food with the healthier choice, but sometimes, I still get a cookie. So that's maybe one approach for you to try if you really can't imagine giving certain foods up.
Another approach would be something like South Beach, which has a "Detox" phase where you give up sugar, carbs, etc. completely. For some, this eliminates sugar cravings, making it easier to stick to the plan in the future. It's another idea to explore.
Regardless of where you end up, I'm so glad you found us! Look around, explore our forums by age range, amount to lose, eating plan, etc...then jump on in!
Can't wait to get to know you better.