Ber Months Diaries: Why September Feels Like the Beginning of the Holidays

Every year, when September quietly tiptoes onto the calendar, something inside me shifts. It’s not just the end of summer or the beginning of fall—it feels like the start of something warmer, cozier, and more hopeful. In the Philippines, we call it the beginning of the Ber Months—September, October, November, and December. These months carry with them a certain anticipation, a joyful undercurrent that whispers, “The holidays are near.”

For many of us, September doesn’t just mark another page turned—it begins a whole new season of memories, traditions, and reflections.

🎶 The Soundtrack of September

Growing up, the start of the Ber Months meant the return of Christmas music—sometimes as early as the first day of September! The voice of Jose Mari Chan, a beloved singer in the Philippines, would suddenly be everywhere, from radios to marketplaces, reminding us that the holiday season was just around the corner.

For some, it might seem too early. But for those of us raised in this tradition, it was comforting. It was like a friend gently knocking on the door, reminding us to slow down, gather together, and look forward to the joy ahead.

A Change in the Air

Even outside the Philippines, September holds its own quiet magic. The mornings grow cooler, the sunsets come earlier, and there’s a softness in the air that wasn’t there in August.

In the U.S., September often means fall—pumpkin spice lattes, golden leaves, sweaters pulled out from storage. In Europe, it might mean misty mornings, cobblestone streets dotted with lanterns, or cozy nights by the fireplace. Wherever you are, there’s something universal about the way September feels like a gentle transition from the busyness of summer into a slower, more reflective rhythm.

The Power of Anticipation

What makes September so magical isn’t just what’s happening—it’s what’s coming. The beauty of the Ber Months is that they invite us into a season of anticipation. The parols (star-shaped Christmas lanterns) start appearing in windows. Family recipes begin to resurface. We find ourselves remembering the tastes, smells, and sounds that once filled our childhood homes.

This anticipation itself is a gift. Psychologists say that looking forward to something—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a trip, or even a cozy weekend at home—boosts happiness levels and reduces stress. And the Ber Months give us four whole months to lean into that joy.

A Vintage Mindset for the Season

At The Vintage Mindset, I believe in cherishing slow, simple joys and holding onto traditions that ground us. September serves as a poignant reminder of this philosophy.

Instead of rushing headfirst into the holiday chaos, what if we spent these months savoring the quiet anticipation? What if we filled our days with small rituals that make the waiting beautiful?

Here are a few ways to do just that:

Start a Ber Months Diary.
Write down one cozy, joyful, or memorable moment each day. By December, you’ll have a collection of simple blessings to look back on.
Play a Nostalgic Playlist.
Create a Spotify list of Christmas classics or songs from your childhood. Music has a way of instantly transporting us back in time.
Make Small Rituals.
Light a candle in the evenings, brew your favorite spiced tea, or hang a simple decoration in your home. These little acts create a sense of ritual and comfort.

Lessons from the Ber Months

The Ber Months remind us that joy doesn’t always come in big packages. Sometimes it’s found in the waiting, the anticipation, and the everyday details that make life meaningful.

The early glow of a lantern in the window.
A steaming cup of coffee on a crisp September morning.
A handwritten note tucked inside a journal.
The sound of laughter echoes through a home as the family gathers.

This is the heart of the vintage mindset—to see beauty not in the rush of life but in the gentle, quiet moments that give life its warmth.

Closing Thoughts

As September begins, I find myself filled with a childlike excitement I never outgrew. And maybe that’s the real magic of the Ber Months—it doesn’t just prepare us for holidays. It prepares our hearts for joy, for family, for gratitude.

So this year, I invite you to start your own Ber Months Diary. Notice the little things. Cherish the anticipation. And remember that in slowing down, we actually discover more to celebrate.