If it isn't new and gift worthy, alot of sellers wait until after the holiday season as sales are really slow right now for luxury items. Unfortunately, it takes a while for them to pick up again as everyone is (or feels) broke after the holidays!
If it is new and gift worthy, it's kind of a catch-22. Most people are out shopping in actual stores or spending time with family (even the ebay obsessed like me are taking time away from the computer!), so if you list it, alot of people won't be around to see it. However, if you wait, then someone might buy it in the store that week if they don't see a good one on ebay...
But I guess it really depends on the item and how you're listing it. I would avoid an auction, but might go ahead and list a BIN because someone might be checking ebay for it before they go to the store- it only takes one person to get the price you want for it with BIN, not several people vying for the high bid (which you might not get this coming week/weekend). Good luck!