I’ve only done this twice (on Thanksgiving and Christmas) but wow what a way to wake up! Especially rewarding if you can plunge in salt water. I went to the Puget Sound on Christmas and saw a seal!
I suggest bringing a friend or two, a tarp/picnic blanket and a hot beverage as a reward. Once a coldwater skeptic, I now understand the appeal and want to be doing more of this in 2025.