embracing autumn: 6 ways to enjoy the season

Recently it seems as if it’s become oddly trendy to be in love with autumn. Perhaps tons of people the world over have always adored autumn and are just now able to share it with the plethora of social media outlets. Or perhaps people are just jumping on the pumpkin spice / plaid-everything / crunchy-leaf-lovin’ bandwagon ’cause fall is suddenly “cool.” Either way, I’m totally down for all the seasonal hype because autumn has always been my favorite season and I can’t get enough of it!

This time of year there’s a slight chill in the air, but it’s not yet so cold that I want to hibernate. The sky is a bright, cerulean blue on clear days and a lovely soggy gray when it’s overcast. Whatever the weather, brilliant sparks from red, orange, and yellow leaves always seem to stand out against the sky, and I can’t help but feel more cheerful when I look up and see their vibrant colors.

I don’t know why I’ve always adored autumn (though I think the colors have a lot to do with it!), but every year I seem to fall in love with the season all over again. Every year I swear I’ll take advantage of the autumn festivities — I’ll pick apples! I’ll visit a pumpkin patch! I’ll jump into a big pile of leaves! I’ll have an outdoor photo shoot with my dog dressed in a cozy plaid sweater! — but the season seems to come and go so quickly that I barely get a chance to enjoy it before it’s already gone.

This year I’m not going to let the season get away! Here are some ways I plan to embrace autumn this year (and I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments section below for how you plan to make the most of this season!)

SPICE UP YOUR DECOR.

Okay, maybe not with literal spice (unless you’re into that, which is cool). But creating a festive, fall-y (is that a word? it is now!) vibe always brightens up the home around this time of year. Nothing gets me in the autumnal mood quite like hanging up some fall (and Halloween!) decorations. Though I have a Halloween blanket that I use all year ’round (it’s 20 years old this year!), this year I’m spicing things up with a candy corn pillow, some cheerful pumpkin lights, and a smattering of spiderwebs. Nothing puts you in the mood for a season — or for anything, really — like decorating your home with festive decor. Now’s the time to break out your favorite fall-themed items and put them on display!

DIG IN TO THOSE FALL FLAVORS.

Did you know it’s pumpkin spice season? Ha, I know, I know — it’s everywhere. It’s probably more difficult to find something not pumpkin flavored these days. (See this article.)But you know what? Why not embrace it? Instead of feeling appalled at the over-pumpkinification (yep, another new word for you!) of everything, why not dig in to those fall flavors and enjoy them while they’re around? Grab a pumpkin spice latte from your favorite coffee shop. Bake an apple pie. Pick up a bag of candy corn. (I’m already half-way through the one in my pantry!) One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to literally take a bite out of it, so I’m planning to make the most of the fall by sampling some of the seasons best flavors.

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.

I’m not a fan of the cold so in years past I’ve let the chill in the autumn air discourage me from heading outdoors — but not this year! This year I’m going to bundle up and step away from my computer to make the most of all the season has to offer in the great outdoors. Where I live,  autumn is one of the best seasons — usually not too hot, but not yet freezing — and I know that getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air is one of the best ways to get the most out of the fall months. This year I’m going to take advantage of it, even if only to sit on my balcony, drinking tea and reading books. I’d love to commit to a pumpkin patch outing, but I’m setting the bar low this year. Balcony and books seems much more attainable!

TRY ON A NEW TRADITION.

Pumpkin carving, apple picking, Instagramming pictures of pumpkin spice lattes — there are so many great activities that go hand-in-hand with the fall season. And a new season is a great opportunity to try on a new tradition. Other than putting up decorations, I don’t really have anything that I do every single autumn, but this year I’m going to create a tradition that I’ll hopefully do for years to come. I haven’t fully decided what exactly that tradition will be yet, but it might involve baking the delicious Taylor Swift Chai Sugar Cookies that I baked with my mom last year. They were delicious and so very autumnal! Even if you do something small (like baking), starting a fall tradition can be a great way to stay excited about the season every year.

SNUGGLE UP WITH A LOVED ONE.

Of course, autumn — with its chilly air and often overcast skies — is the very best time to snuggle up under a nice warm blanket with someone you love! I might be single this season, but just because I’m boy-less doesn’t mean I have to miss out on the snuggle sessions. I full intend to do some serious snugglin’ with my pup, Barkley (whether she likes it or not — sassy little pup!). And snuggling doesn’t even have to involve another person or pet. You can snuggle up all by yourself with some wool socks, a soft sweater, a cozy blanket, and, if you’re lucky, a crackling fire. It’s hard to deny that autumn is one of the best times for snuggling, and no matter what your situation, you can get all cozied up and embrace the season from the comfort of your couch!

TUNE IN TO THE TRANSFORMATION.

Autumn happens only once a year, and if you’re not paying attention, you just might miss it! I feel like every year it skips by faster and faster, which is why I’m really making and effort to be present for it this year. Luckily, autumn is one of the best seasons for being present. So much is changing — the shades of leaves, the temperature of the air, even the attire of those all around you — which actually makes it easier in some ways to stay present through it all. If you feel yourself struggling to stay in the moment (and who doesn’t sometimes!?), taking note of all the changes happening around you can help bring you back into the present. My goal this season is to look for one new (autumn) thing every day!

Clearly, I’m already in the fall spirit and, if you can’t tell, I’m fully able to admit that I’m one of those “basic” girls who can’t get enough of autumn and isn’t afraid to share her love for the season with the world. If you love autumn as much as I do, I’d love to hear about your favorite parts of the season, your autumn traditions, or any additional suggestions you might have for embracing autumn in the comments section below!

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