Wondering if you all have any thoughts on end of year status strategy. I currently have 74 nights. However I qualified mid year for platinum on a status challenge. I have only one additional stay planned for Dec 28-Jan 2. Not sure when those nights will post. Will some qualify for this year and some for next year? Or will they all post and qualify for next year?

Also, some have mentioned they got an elite night credit on their birthday. I have never seen this. My birthday is early October. I also have a Marriott credit card, but no additional points will post until after my stay at the end of the year.

So basically, should I try to get one more night between now and the end of the year to "officially" qualify for platinum (even though I have the status now), or am I better off doing nothing and saving elite night credits for next year?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/recommendations.