> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.recart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.recart.com/holiday-playbooks/bfcm/2-your-bfcm-calendar.md).

# BFCM #2 - Your BFCM Calendar

October, November and December calendars with suggested dates for your BFCM SMS campaigns, popups and automated flows.

Planning your BFCM sends is easier when you can see the whole season at once. These calendars map out what to send, when to switch your popups and flows, and which dates to plan around, from October to New Year.

Every date is a suggestion. Keep the order and the spacing, and fit your own offers and launches around them. **Bold** items are the ones not to skip.

{% hint style="info" %}
The calendars follow US dates. Early access for SMS subscribers opens on the Monday of Thanksgiving week, and the public sale starts on Thanksgiving. If your dates are different, keep the same order and spacing.
{% endhint %}

### October: get ready

<figure><img src="https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2Fn4AXpkppLfOcuTla2umI%2Fbfcm-calendar-2026-october.webp?alt=media" alt="October BFCM calendar with suggested dates for SMS campaigns, popup tests, flow updates and Halloween"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Audit your automated flows and check whether any [custom triggers](/sms/automated-flows/custom-triggers-automated-flow-use-cases.md) are worth adding
* Run a [popup A/B test](/list-growth/testing-and-scheduling/popup-a-b-testing.md) for about three weeks, then a second one
* Build your BFCM [segments](/sms/subscribers-and-lists/create-sms-segments-and-lists.md): engaged subscribers, recent buyers and VIPs
* Write your BFCM, Cyber Monday and holiday flow copy now, so switching it on later is quick

### November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

<figure><img src="https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2F0uACkmtBpOltYDAaO061%2Fbfcm-calendar-2026-november.webp?alt=media" alt="November BFCM calendar with teaser sends, early access, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sends, popup changes and flow switches"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Switch on your BFCM early-access popup at the start of November
* Start teasing the sale about two weeks before early access opens
* Stop popup tests about a week before early access, and keep them paused until January
* Schedule every BFCM send by the Friday before Thanksgiving week
* Send twice on Black Friday and on Cyber Monday: once in the morning and once in the evening
* Swap your popup and flow copy to Cyber Monday on the Sunday evening before

### December: holiday gifting

<figure><img src="https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2F2OV5SVFaJpxLwwxHkKlI%2Fbfcm-calendar-2026-december.webp?alt=media" alt="December BFCM calendar with holiday sends, shipping reminders, gift cards, Christmas and New Year dates"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Switch your popups and flows to holiday creative a couple of days after Cyber Monday
* From Green Monday, remind subscribers of your "order by" dates (check your carrier's shipping cutoffs)
* Once shipping cutoffs pass, promote gift cards
* After Christmas, run your after-Christmas sale, switch to a New Year popup and set your flows back to your everyday copy

### Download the calendar

[Download the BFCM calendar (PDF)](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FUSRu2pBbQ7ipEheVbexq%2Fbfcm-calendar-2026.pdf?alt=media)

For the full BFCM send plan with sample messages, popup ideas and offers, see the [BFCM playbook](/holiday-playbooks/bfcm.md). After Cyber Monday, move on to [Last-Minute Holiday Gifting](/holiday-playbooks/holiday-shipping-and-last-minute-gifting.md).

If you need help planning your campaigns or reviewing your flows, [contact the Recart Support team](/contact-recart-support.md). We'd be happy to help!


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