Jessica Simpson “The Early Show” VIDEO [Nov. 22]

Jessica Simpson is celebrating Christmas a little early with her recent engagement to former NFL star Eric Johnson. She spoke with Harry Smith on that and the release of Happy Christmas, her brand new collection of holiday classics and original songs.

Simpson, 30, says Johnson’s proposal came as “a total surprise.”

After all, the couple have only been dating since May. Nonetheless, Jess couldn’t resist the urge to spill the deets on how Eric popped the question.

“I had to sit on his knee I was shocked. To really get what was happening. I first said ‘Yes!’ I didn’t even try the ring on until 5 minutes in,” she explained. “I just sat there and cried with him.”

Eric proposed with the help of a ruby, diamond and gold Neil Lane sparkler (which Jess supposedly paid for — but that’s another story…) She says she loves that Johnson went the unconventional route for her engagement ring, choosing her birthstone to make the ring stand out.

“I’ve already done the traditional thing. I wanted to do something that was different.”