As the summer sun blazes overhead and vacations are in full swing, many may find it hard to think about the chill of October. However, for Halloween enthusiasts, July is the perfect month to start preparing for the scariest season of the year. Whether you’re a costume connoisseur, a party planner, or a haunted house aficionado, here’s how you can get a jump on Halloween festivities while everyone else is still enjoying their ice cream cones.

Plan Your Costume Early

One of the most exciting aspects of Halloween is the costumes. By starting in July, you give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, create, or even order that perfect outfit. Consider themes or trends that might be popular this year. Will you go for a classic witch or vampire, or do you want to dress up as a character from the latest blockbuster?

Plan Your Decor

While you might not want to put up cobwebs just yet, July is a great time to plan your decorations. From eerie centerpieces to spooky wreaths, making your decor in advance can save you the last-minute stress come October.

Start Crafting Your Haunted House

If you’re planning on creating a haunted house, July is the month to start. Mapping out your layout and thinking about themes can help you visualize what you want. Gather materials and start building props. You can even start collecting items that you can repurpose or use in your haunted setup.

What are Popular Halloween Candies?

Start thinking about the candy you want to hand out. Research the latest candy treats.

Create a Halloween Countdown

To keep the excitement building, create a countdown calendar. Mark the days leading up to Halloween. This will keep the spirit of Halloween alive throughout the summer months.

While July may seem like an unusual time to start preparing for Halloween, getting a head start can make the holiday planning easier.