This piece is from yesterday's Buddies Briefing newsletter, which is emailed out at 6pm every Thursday. To receive our full, free St Mirren newsletter straight to your email inbox, click here.
Reflect on the first section of the season and it has been a roaring success.
But fail to rediscover the form that led to a third spot in the table and by Christmas it could be back to looking over the shoulder rather than looking out the passports.
Such are the standings in the Scottish Premiership that a run of positive results, or negative, can completely change the outlook of the season for most clubs.
That's why the hectic nine-game spell before the turn of the year is absolutely crucial for Stephen Robinson.
Plenty of managers won't even give the league table more than a cursory glance before New Year.
Well, that's unless things go a little pear-shaped, see Malky Mackay, Steven MacLean, Lee Johnson.
For St Mirren the busy run into, and beyond, the festive period should bring serious optimism rather than concern for the league table.
That's not to say come January 1 St Mirren should be expected to be sitting third with a two-point lead over the team in fourth, however, it's certainly not outwith the realms of possibility after a look at the fixture list.
From the nine games remaining this year, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up points. Take the four home matches for example - against Livingston, Ross County, Motherwell and Kilmarnock - those are all winnable fixtures.
On the road, it's a little trickier with visits to Ibrox, Tynecastle and Pittdorie which could provide stern tests. Rangers aside though and Robinson has enjoyed victories over Hearts and Aberdeen away from home fairly recently.
It's fair to say Ross County and St Johnstone haven't enjoyed the best seasons so far, meaning Robinson's side will likely head to Dingwall and Perth respectively fully intent on victory - and if not, then at least coming away with a point.
Regardless, a positive points haul, overall, from the next nine outings could see St Mirren sit in an excellent position for a top-six finish, if not better.
ST MIRREN FIXTURES TO NEW YEAR
St Mirren vs Livingston - November 25
Ross County vs St Mirren - November 28
Rangers vs St Mirren - December 3
St Johnstone vs St Mirren - December 6
St Mirren Ross County - December 9
St Mirren vs Motherwell - December 16
Hearts vs St Mirren - December 23
St Mirren vs Kilmarnock - December 27
Aberdeen vs St Mirren - December 30
AND ANOTHER THING
Ryan Strain's injury knock for Australia has caused understandable concern.
While there's still hope of no major fitness issues, a long-term layoff would be problematic.
Strain is one of the top-performing players for St Mirren both in offensive and defensive actions.
Any time on the sidelines would leave an imbalance in the side moving forward.
Of course, Ryan Flynn could fill-in, as could Thierry Small at a stretch, however, few could match Strain's influence when he is in the team.
Perhaps only Conor McMenamin could match Strain's attacking threat from wing-back but that's probably not a wise move after the small matter of his testing time in the defensive position, albeit on the left, against Montrose.
Here's hoping Strain's substitution on Australia duty was taken out of precaution because, without the wing-back, team selection becomes a little tricky for Stephen Robinson.
AND FINALLY
Jonah Ayunga could make his long-awaited return from injury against Livingston.
The striker is a key member of the sqaud, when fit, and should add another dimension to the front line.
It's important to give Ayunga a few weeks to get back to his ability and output demonstrated last season.
But, with a bit of patience, to quote Robinson, he'll be like a new signing.
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