As the trees light up in a blaze of autumn colour, we're spending our evenings curled-up on the sofa (stitching in hand or course!) making a start on our festive preparations - and now so can you with our October issue.

We're calling it our Holiday Handbook, because it includes design for every occasion in the run-up to Christmas.

From decorations and stocking fillers to an advent calendar and cards, you'll find yourself using this jam-packed issue of CrossStitcher to plan your stitching timetable to perfection.
Scroll down to find out what we're loving most this month...

Whip-up a few of Durene Jones' cuddly Santa cards (above, left) for your friends or make a start on Lucie Heaton's candy cottage advent calendar (above, centre) for guaranteed smiles from all the family in the run-up to Christmas day!

If you're after a more traditional stitch, try your hand at Caroline Vincent's red robin sampler (above, right).
* Fancy seeing this framed sampler in the flesh? Visit Caroline Vincent on her stand (TGG5A) at the Knitting & Stitching Show, 11-14th October, in London.

Before we go any further, we have to share with you these beautiful images of Felicity Hall's Swedish Dalahäst horses (above). She's done a fabulous job of transforming this current trend into a set of must-have gifts you can stitch, make and treasure. Aren't they gorgeous?

Looking for gift ideas? Pop one of Rebecca Tuffnell's adorable Little Red Riding Hood finger puppets (above, left) in the kids' Christmas stockings this year. Or, how about giving Miso Funky's, winter sampler (above, centre) to a friend? Team it with a shop-bought frame to turn it into a heart-felt gift.

For those looking to add a splash of winter wonderland elegance to their home, look no further than Anette Eriksson's snowflake cushion (above, right), complete with beads and sequins. Beautiful.

All this and more in CrossStitcher issue 258 - on sale now. Check out our digital sampler and don't forget to follow us on twitter and facebook to see what's coming-up next month...