A mix of red, green, and white pillows clouded my vision while my nose was assaulted with the smell of a gingerbread candle. A few days before Halloween, I walked into Target, on the hunt for a costume. However, something much scarier than a Halloween animatronic met me as I entered. Target had already begun setting up the Christmas displays before Halloween had even started!

Target wasn’t the only culprit. Just one day after Halloween, I took a trip to Walmart, and Santa’s workshop had taken over the entire store, Christmas music and all. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas and the winter season, and I can’t wait to be sipping hot chocolate and decorating the Christmas tree. However, I do believe that October 28th is a little early to start getting into the Christmas spirit. So I began to think, why are these companies forcing the next big holiday on us before the current one has even passed?

Many of these companies are clearly trying to sell merchandise. As a society, we are eager to indulge in these festivities because we are constantly bombarded by algorithms that rapidly feed us content. These algorithms are shortening our attention spans to the point where we’ve become accustomed to constantly seeking the next big thing, rather than living in the simplicity of the moment. In this era of constant entertainment and insatiable demand, we should use the periods between holidays and seasons to reflect and relax, rather than jumping to the next big event.

Here are some ways you can live in the moment and slowly transition into the next holiday season:

One way to help rebalance your internal system, after the craziness of Homecoming and Halloween, is to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet. Instead of running to Starbucks for a peppermint mocha, opt for an antioxidant-rich pomegranate as a healthier seasonal alternative that helps combat consumerism. Warm up with a comforting squash soup; butternut and acorn squashes are in peak season. Additionally, to incorporate some balance with greens, make one of my favorite dishes: roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.

Now that the autumn leaves have fallen, the world may feel more dreary due to the lack of color and absence of snow. This makes it the perfect time to huddle inside by the fire and start a new hobby: knit yourself a cozy sweater, crochet scarves or hats for your family members, sew a quilt, or even start a puzzle. All these activities are meditative and will help calm your mind and fix your attention span, teaching you patience and the rewarding feeling of making something with your own hands.

I can understand the disappointment in taking down your Halloween decorations and being left with an empty home until Christmas. So instead, decorate your home with some harvest-themed decor. Gourds, cranberries, orange garlands, and fall leaves are all great options to spruce up your space before the Christmas season hits.

I urge you to use this transition period to refocus yourself and calm your mind before the next holiday season. Our brains need breaks in order to fully appreciate the good things in life, rather than rapidly jumping to each one. Live in the moment!