Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell hopes the Staggies can approach the festive period with a spring in their step.
The Staggies return to Premiership action when they host Hibernian today, having faced Montrose and Arbroath in the Betfred Cup within the last fortnight.
County then face trips to Motherwell and Dundee United, as well as a home match against Livingston, before they complete their League Cup section next month.
Kettlewell feels it is an important period for his side, who are eighth in the league at present.
He said: “We spoke about getting off to a good start, we have had a tough run of fixtures and this run of cup games.
“I think it’s massively important we jump in with both feet into this next run of league fixtures and amass as many points as we possibly can.
“That will then dictate where our focus becomes over that Christmas period, whether it becomes desperation for points or we are brimming with confidence because we’ve had a few good results leading up to the festive period.
“I’m not any more anxious or determined to get points now than I was at the start of the season, or what I will be towards the end. It’s just about setting that standard continuously and trying to get points on the board.”
Hibs are looking to build on a fine start to the campaign when they make the trip to Dingwall, with Jack Ross’ men sitting two points clear in third place after 10 matches.
Kettlewell feels the Edinburgh outfit have struck a strong balance this season, and he added: “From the games I have watched they have quite a steely determination about them.
“They have added goals and they seem to have a partnership up top which is a bit of a thing of the past, as a lot of people play with a lone striker and two wide players.
“They have been a team that has set their stall out to form a partnership with Nisbet and Doidge, and it seems to have clicked so far.
“To counter that, their work ethic is brilliant across that midfield area. They have probably tightened up at the back a little bit, having received a bit of criticism in the early parts of last season.
“I would have to say they have maybe turned that on its head a wee bit, and most of that probably comes from being a solid unit.”
County go into the match boosted by a 2-1 Betfred Cup victory over Arbroath, in which the Staggies came from behind to defeat the Championship outfit.
Forward Ross Stewart netted both of County’s goals to find the net for the first time since August, bringing his tally for the campaign to four.
Kettlewell feels the 24-year-old, who attracted interest from numerous English clubs in the summer, will take confidence from his exploits.
Kettlewell added: “You look at these types of games, and I’m not being disrespectful but I always feel your forward-thinking players should see it as an opportunity to score a goal or create a chance.
“I think Ross’ demeanour and body language all night suggested he was desperate to get on the scoresheet and drive his team to a victory.
“I’m not being disrespectful to Arbroath, but being in the league above and a full-time team I see it as a great opportunity to add to your goal tally.
“Ross showed that the entire night, he was desperate to get on the end of crosses and create opportunities for others.”
