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Wigan are back on home turf against Swindon 48 hours later before Notts County provide the first opposition of 2003 on Januray 1, also at the JJB.
Jewell knows a decent points return from a bruising four games in 11 days could well stretch their lead at the summit and leave nearest challengers Bristol City and Cardiff trailing.
Jewell said: "Starting tomorrow against Huddersfield I'd say the next four games are the most crucial we've played so far this season.
"We've three at home and one away and that gives us a golden opportunity to get more points on the board.
"That's the task I have set my players and I know they will respond to that."
Wigan have not tasted defeat in the league since August but Jewell sounded a note of caution.
He added: "Looking back on this year, we have made terrific progress but now is the time to stay more focused than ever because we cannot afford to let things slip for one second.
"It's a tough schedule for the players but they can deal with it. We've worked incredibly hard to get into this position and if we can come up with the goods again over Christmas then we'll be going into 2003 in a very strong position."
Meanwhile, Jewell could be handed an extra boost with striker Andy Liddell winning his fitness battle.
Liddell has been sidelined for seven weeks after limping out of Latics' 1-0 Worthington Cup victory over Manchester City with a calf injury.
Jewell added: "I'm not going to start saying Andy will be back for this game or that, but we might see him over Christmas. He has made excellent progress this week but the last thing we are going to do is rush him back and risk him.
"But I don't think he's too far away now and it will be a great bonus to have him back in the squad once he's firing on all cylinders again."
Jewell reserved special praise for keeper John Filan who will be looking to rewrite the club's history books against Huddersfield as he attempts to keep his sixth league clean sheet on the bounce.
Filan last conceded a league goal against QPR on October 29 and another shut-out would break John Brown's 20-year-old record.
Jewell said: "John has proved a great signing for this club and he is a top-class goalkeeper."