Christmas in July: Why the Smartest Brands Are Already Planning Their Holiday PR Campaigns

When most people think of July, they picture fireworks, beach trips, and the heart of summer. But at KC Projects Public Relations, we see something different: sleigh bells.

That's right, now is the time to be elbows-deep in holiday campaign planning. While the holidays may seem far off, the brands that make the biggest impact come November and December are the ones building strategy in July. And when it comes to public relations, waiting until Q4 is simply too late.

Why July?

The fourth quarter is fast-paced and crowded with noise. Every brand is vying for attention, inboxes are overflowing with gift guides, and editorial calendars are locked by early fall. If you want your holiday messaging to rise above the rest, whether it’s a product launch, a charitable initiative, or a seasonal service, you need to be at the front of the pack.

At KC Projects, our most successful clients are the ones who understand that strategic PR takes time. It’s not just about what you're announcing; it’s about how, where, and when you tell the story.

Editorial Deadlines Are Closer Than You Think

Holiday gift guides for major outlets often close submissions in August or early September. This means your media list, angles, and pitch strategy need to be finalized now to earn that critical coverage. Miss the window, and you’re not just behind, you’re out of the conversation.

We work hand-in-hand with clients to craft compelling, holiday-ready narratives that speak to editors, producers, and your ideal audience—months before the campaigns ever go live.

Building Buzz Takes Strategy, Not Scrambling

The holidays are emotional, aspirational, and deeply tied to brand loyalty. PR campaigns during this season are less about direct selling and more about storytelling that sticks. Whether you’re a retailer preparing a holiday collection or a nonprofit launching a year-end giving campaign, the groundwork for press interest, brand visibility, and authentic audience engagement needs to start well in advance.

Here’s what we’re building now for our clients:

• Thoughtful seasonal storylines that align with brand values

• Strategic media outreach for holiday coverage

• Influencer and partnership planning

• Launch timelines for charitable initiatives and community giveback

• Pitching for holiday events, markets, and seasonal activations

• Content strategy for blogs, newsletters, and earned media placements

Our Takeaway

July is for those who want to own the holidays, not chase them. By starting now, your brand avoids the Q4 scramble and instead shows up ready—with a cohesive story, polished assets, and media interest already in motion.

At KC Projects, we thrive in the art of seasonal storytelling. Whether you're looking to grow visibility, spark conversation, or turn a campaign into a movement, we're ready to help you unwrap something big this holiday season.

Let’s plan now, so your audience remembers you when it matters most.

Interested in planning your holiday PR campaign with KC Projects?
Get in touch today! We’d love to build something unforgettable.

By Mia Oliveira