Some people celebrate October 1st as the beginning of the fourth quarter. Others mark it as pumpkin spice season. Me? I declare it the official beginning of the Month of Halloween.

Yes, a whole month. Don’t argue with me. You can keep your one-day Halloween party and your half-hearted bowl of candy. I’m in full-on spooktacular immersion. Two weeks ago, I already ordered my Halloween outfit. Three days ago, I clicked “buy” on decorations for my office. I’m committed. If Halloween were a relationship status, mine would read: It’s serious.

Now, I wish my three dogs shared my enthusiasm. But the thought of trying to get them into costumes? That would be less “cute little pumpkins” and more “bloody cage match.” And since my particular block doesn’t really have kids, there’s no trick-or-treating parade of adorable ghouls to admire. My Halloween isn’t about the children, it’s about the adults. The wine, the wigs, the wonderfully weird vibes.

Over the years, I’ve donned many disguises: Little Red Riding Hood, Raggedy Ann, the Mad Hatter, a very cool and pretty witch, the Queen of Hearts. My costumes have ranged from storybook sweet to full-on monarch of sass.

But this year? I’m not dressing as a character. Oh no. I’m dressing as a vibe. Because sometimes the scariest thing isn’t a monster or a villain. It’s an undefinable mood, an aura, a wink across the party that says: I’m here, I’m spooky, and I’m fabulous.

So Happy October 1st, fellow Halloween month celebrants. May your pumpkins be plump, your cobwebs be artfully placed, and your vibe be whatever wickedly wonderful thing you want it to be.