For some people, the holiday season doesn’t begin until Thanksgiving—or maybe not until December. But for me, Christmas in July is the unofficial starting line. I ease into it slowly during September, but once October arrives, the festive fun begins!

This month feels like the perfect bridge between fall and the holidays. I start by bringing out my Halloween décor, then gradually layer in the seasonal touches that carry me straight through December. It’s also when I dig deeper into my crafting projects—personalized cards, handmade gifts, and little things that make the season feel extra special.

Another big October task? Stocking up. Wrapping supplies, baking ingredients, and pantry staples all get a refresh. I’ve learned that decluttering my pantry and replacing spices now saves so much time (and stress!) later when the holiday baking whirlwind hits. And yes, I’ll be adding another batch of make-ahead cookies to the freezer this month—I like to have plenty ready to go.

Get Ahead on Holiday Travel

If you’re planning to travel, October is the sweet spot for booking. Nathan and I have a tradition of sneaking away for a holiday-themed weekend each December. We’ve spent magical weekends at Walt Disney World, a trip to New York City doing all the iconic Christmas activities, and last year St. Augustine FL for the Night of Lights festivities.

This year, we’re heading to Ashville, NC to experience the Biltmore at Christmas and check out all the holiday offerings of the town. I am very excited to experience Candlelight Christmas in the house and beautiful lights on the grounds. I will be sharing that experience with all of you then!

Finalize Your Christmas Card List

Back in August, I shared how I use a spreadsheet to plan my Christmas cards—keeping track of who I send to and who I receive from. Now that October is here, it’s time to firm up that list. Double-check addresses, fill in the missing ones, and get everything updated before the rush. It’s so much easier to do it now than to scramble later when you’re ready to mail your cards.

By tackling a little at a time—decorating, baking, organizing, planning, and list-making—October becomes the perfect launch pad for the most joyful season of the year.