Over the last few months I have been spending more time in the most adorable little city, Moose Jaw.  If you have ever been, you know what I mean.  The downtown is so unique, picturesque, and charming.  Filled with the most beautiful heritage buildings, coffee shops, and boutiques! The fact that it is only 45 minutes away makes it perfect for a little weekend getaway.

Christmas in October is something I was introduced to while working on a project with Rowan and The Playhouse Boutique last summer.  I had a chance to sit down with Yvette Moore, a local artist who started the event 25 years ago. It was so inspiring listening to her talk about how she started this event as a craft sale out of her home and eventually turned it into a city wide event for Moose Jaw.

Yvette spoke with passion about how Christmas in October started out as the idea of a local craft show where she would turn her home into a Christmas wonderland filled with local handcrafted gifts.  The small idea eventually blossomed into a tradition that locals look forward to each year.  After having 600 guests in her own home for the event, Yvette decided it was time to transition this event into what it is today.  The Yvette Moore Gallery opened in 2000 and has been the driving force behind Christmas in October ever since.  A beautiful gallery in a restored heritage building filled with Canadian (only, Canadian-pretty cool eh ;)) hand crafted gift ware, pottery, jewelry, and of course her stunning art work- a staple stop on the Christmas in October tour.  With a charming cafe decorated like an old office, it is the perfect stop to refuel.  The tiny cafe is a favorite among locals for lunch so if it’s on your list, I suggest making a reservation before it’s too late!

Today Christmas in October is a tradition for locals and tourists alike kicking off the Christmas season in Moose Jaw.  Almost all the stores participate, transforming their spaces into a winter wonderland where you can’t help but be overcome with the holiday spirit.  The event kicks off on Wednesday, October 21st with a candlelight ceremony at the Yvette Moore Gallery and continues until Sunday, October 25th.  I can’t think of a better way to start the holiday season than bumping from one beautiful boutique to the next with an apple cider in your hand, Christmas music dancing in your ear, and the street lights glistening… perfection? I think so!

This year my shopping list is a little different as I now have my beautiful baby niece, Isla to shop for.  The Playhouse boutique is a for sure stop during our Christmas in October visit this year.  From top to bottom this boutique is filled with the cutest children’s clothes and toys.  Being in here takes some major self control as I continually mutter the words, “Well, Isla clearly NEEDS this!” Lucky girl, she is going to have some pretty jealous friends at her next play date… I mean, even I am jealous of the clothes I find for her there!

I know the Christmas spirit is all about giving but it wouldn’t be a trip to Moose Jaw if I didn’t stop by one of my favorite spots, Rowan. You know the old saying “one for you, one for me” this is the place to get those “one for me” items.  If you follow me on Instagram, you would know I frequent this place often.  Each time I go I am never disappointed with the goodies I find… like this, this and this!  I can’t wait to see what goodies I find this time…

I seriously cannot wait for this event! Stay tuned for more details when I share my first Christmas in October experience… How will you kick start the holiday season?

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