If your social media looks anything like mine, it has been almost entirely pumpkin spice-themed recipes, halloween diy’s, and winter holiday bucket lists for the past month. As I am writing this, it is only early September. Even though Spirit Halloween stores opened up in August, the first day of fall is on September 22nd, yet every year it seems like the fall and winter excitement starts earlier and earlier. 

This is an actual retail phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “Christmas creep.” Some claim it is a tactic for businesses to make more money and encourage consumer spending, while others claim it has to do with commerce and supply chain concerns (Lees, 2021). Either way, it can be difficult to stay present when we are constantly being influenced to fast-forward.  

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Why Staying Present Matters:

Now you may be asking, “What is wrong with making Christmas cookies in October?” Nothing is inherently wrong with celebrating holidays early, especially if it does bring joy. What is important is creating some intention around where we put our focus, energy, and money. That is what staying present allows us to do. 

Being able to live in the moment provides a sense of awareness that can contribute to staying grounded, restored, and intentional. When we are connected with the now, we are more aware of our feelings, wants, and needs, which allows us to make more informed choices about how we want to spend our time and financial resources. For example, if we plow ahead towards Halloween movies for a quick dopamine hit, we may miss the fact that we have not been outside much lately. And that what would actually feel fulfilling is some quiet time in the fresh air. Especially since there are not many sunny 70-degree days ahead of us for a while. And that happy nostalgic feeling buying a Santa throw pillow brings in August does not necessarily mean our bank account is feeling warm and fuzzy. Especially when we get home and realize it looks a little less magical on our couch than it did on display at the store.   

These examples are perhaps an oversimplification, but the point still stands that if we are constantly looking ahead, we may miss the joy that now can offer us. And by the time fall is in full swing, we may have already had our fill of apple cider and pumpkin donuts. When we slow down, we learn how to find restorative joy and move with time rather than get ahead of it. 

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Ways to Stay Present:

1. Gratitude 

One of the most accessible strategies (in the sense that it is free and readily available) is appreciating the present. Maybe engage in a gratitude walk. Notice what it feels like to have sun on your skin. Perhaps the weather is nice enough for pants but still feels pleasant. Notice the color of green in the trees and really take it in. Even appreciation from the perspective of your past self can be helpful. Recall what you missed about this time last winter or spring. It coule be not feeling the restraint around your arms from sweaters getting shoved under a puffy coat. Or how it is still light out past 6pm. Soak up all of the things you tend to miss once this season has passed for the year. Because they do pass. Fall and winter will come, so let them come at their own pace. 

2. Bucket List

In a similar vein, is there anything you still have not gotten to do that you want to do before the colder months hit? Maybe there is a patio on your bucket list you have been dying to try before they roll out the heaters and convince us it is normal to sit outside when it is 45 degrees. Is there a dress or fun item of clothing in the back of your closet you have not worn yet? Now might be a good time to take advantage of those opportunities as a way to ground yourself in the now. The cozy holiday sweater can wait, and its day will come. But we do not have many more days above 70 in the near future. Appreciate them for what they are. 

3. Slowing Down

Another simple but effective tactic is to quite literally slow down. Presence activates the parasympathetic nervous system, physically lowering our stress responses and signaling to our brain that we are safe (Bonhoeffer, 2025). On the grander scale, save things for when their season is here. I will not judge if you broke out the cinnamon candle on September 1st, but not rushing to the next moment can not only help us be present, but quite literally help us regulate our nervous system better. On a smaller scale, this may look like moving through your day more slowly. If you notice yourself rushing in the morning as you frantically brush your teeth, take a breath, move your arm at half speed. Those extra ten seconds will not make you late, and they may help you be in the moment and reduce stress. Breathing in general is a wonderful tool as well. Paired with slow intentionality, we are infinitely calmer and more present. 

4. Self-Reflection

Seasonal transition can be a great time to turn inward and reflect on what has changed and what you might want to change in this next season. Intentionally connecting with your wants, needs, and goals can create a sense of inner peace and direction. Engaging in self-reflection inherently allows for presence as it requires us to just be with ourselves to determine where we are at emotionally. Try some journal exercises, or even just sitting in nature without listening to music or any other media. See what comes up for you. 

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Conclusion

The holidays and the change of seasons are something to be treasured and enjoyed, not consumed as quickly as possible. This fall and winter season, enjoy the magic as it happens. Not as stores and social media feeds dictate.   

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Sources: 

• Bonhoeffer, J. (2025, October 3). The science of slowing down. Psychology Today. 
• Lees, E. (2021, September 23). Why does the Christmas countdown get earlier every year? Newsweek.