Tens of thousands of CNN.com readers have been enchanted by this photo, which tells the story of a Virginia man who proposed to his Christmas-loving girlfriend this holiday season with a holiday light-inspired Christmas proposal on the rooftop of their home. Many more Americans have enchanting holiday proposal stories of their own.

If you have already purchased an affordable wedding ring set, then you might want to consider whether this is the right time of year for you to come up with a creative Christmas proposal of your own.

Why Propose at Christmas?

1. The Mood Lighting

At Christmas time, many places around town are lit with romantic candles or twinkling Christmas lights, so just about anywhere can be a romantic location to surprise your girlfriend with the affordable wedding ring set of her dreams.

2. The Togetherness

For many people, the holidays are a time for gathering together with family and friends. If you propose at Christmas, then it will be easy to spread the good news with loved ones already gathered around to celebrate!

Why Wait to Propose?

1. The Surprise Factor

Christmas and Valentine’s Day are two days during the year when women are more likely to have an inkling that a proposal might be on the way. As popular times of year to express love, those two days might not be as good of an opportunity to knock your girlfriend’s socks off with a surprise proposal.

2. The Emotional Turmoil

For some, Christmas can be a difficult time of year with uneasy family relationships or unpleasant memories. If your spouse-to-be starts to seem a little Grinchy around Christmas for these or other reasons, then she may prefer a proposal at a different time. Perhaps you could wait until New Year’s Eve?

Do you have a Christmas proposal story to share?

Photo credit