From discourse in the Discord server, it seems the most favoured idea is to hold LD late in December in order to ensure most people have finished their jobs/school for the semester.

This, however, interferes with Christmas itself, and would drastically lower participant numbers. For reference, a bit over 1000 people participated in LD 42. I believe it would get down to 400-600 if it were late in December.

Edit: Turns out it was about 3000. Regardless, I think it will drop to 40-60% of LD 43

Besides, many people don't finish for the semester until right before Christmas anyway. I finish on the 22nd.

Furthermore, the fairly plentiful Swedish participants, as well as any Italian ones, would be unable to participate if LD 43 intersects with Dec 13th, which is St. Lucy's Day, a very important day.

I believe we should do what we typically do with the April LDs. Have it over a regular weekend. We should have it early in the month when there isn't that much going on. We already know it will intersect with a Sunday, or in other words, an advent, but that's fine. I plan to scope my game to be very simple and small, and this is unavoidable anyway.

All of this is why I suggest we have LD 43 starting on Friday, Dec 8th.

I welcome your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for your time!