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Happy Halloween!! I hope everyone enjoyed their festivities, even if they weren't the usual ways you celebrate. I loved seeing a bunch of friends and family still get into the spirit even if they had nowhere to go this year.
I personally was cozied up on the couch sketching this fun, very 2020-esque Halloween sketch and watching my fav Halloween Disney movies, because I am a scaredy cat.
At this point in the year I think it is safe to say we are well into the Autumn season. I know this is a beloved time of year for many who find the heat of summer too oppressive and will always choose pumpkin spice over lemonade, but it is not yet the freezing dark time of deep winter.
While I love summer and it will always be my favorite season, Autumn definitely holds a special place in my heart. Although known as the season of change, it seems that there are some things I have always come to expect each year fall rolls around. It still feels weird to not go back to school each September. Anyone else feel that way??
Below is my list of 10 things that always make it feel that Autumn is in full swing!
1. School
As I already stated I am no longer in school, and while I do not have children of my own, it’s hard not to notice those bright yellow school buses everywhere. Especially that one you get stuck behind going to work every morning. No matter what stage of life you are in, there is no escaping school and it is the first sign that fall has arrived.
2. Football
I grew up watching football every week, and in high school I was on the sidelines of almost every football game for our school. This year I have not been able to enjoy it as usual, but it is here no matter what team you are cheering for, everyone in the US associates football games with fall.
3. Pumpkin Spice
And everything nice! Some people love everything pumpkin, some people despise it. I fall neatly in between. Give me just a pumpkin spice latte with pumpkin pie and I am happy!
4. Mallomars
Keeping on the topic of food, for those that may not know Mallomars are a readymade smore; graham cracker and marshmallow covered in pure chocolate. They are delicious, but seasonal Only! Get them while you can!!
5. Falling Leaves
The epitome of fall! The beautiful colors as the leaves change, watching them fall and float in a gentle Autumn breeze, and then getting to rake them into a pile to have some fun with! I do hate the bare trees in the winter but, watching the change each year always amazes me, and an enjoyable hike to a spot where you can overlook a beautiful fall landscape is nothing short of breath-taking.
6. Picking Pumpkins
I grew up in a pretty rural area with pumpkin patches galore! There were several different places in the area we went to, but they all had the same characteristics; corn mazes, hay bails to jump around on, the hay ride out to the pumpkin field, some kind of kid friendly petting zoo, and some hot apple cider with freshly buttered popcorn to end the day.
7. Halloween
My fiancé might not like dressing up, but I do, and I love seeing everyone else’s creativity come out on this spooky holiday. We live in a second story apartment right now, so we don’t get trick-or-treaters, but I have many fond memories of going out myself. What did you dress up as this year? Share some pics in the comments! It also is not Halloween until I've watched Hocus Pocus, it is without a doubt my favorite of all favorite Halloween movies, and always will be!
8. Boots, Scarves, & Sweaters
Even though I love summer, my fall wardrobe is probably the most on point. I don’t know what it is about fall, but this time of year I always want to go shopping, and it usually ends up adding even more pieces to my fall wardrobe. Of course, boots, scarves, and sweaters are top priority for a complete fall ensemble.
9. Classic Novels
Again, I don’t know what it is about this season that makes me want to pull out a good old classic novel. Maybe it’s the old English writing style, or maybe the depictions of serene country sides by Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and so many countless others. If I am going to read a classic novel in any given year it is going to be during this transition into colder weather.
10. Thanksgiving
I know this is a holiday that can be difficult for a lot of people, for a multitude of reasons, I share my own issues with it. Whether you are celebrating with your family, your friends, by yourself, or maybe not at all, it is a day that we can all take just one moment to be grateful for just one thing. Even if that thing is small and seemingly insignificant on any other day, it is important to pause and reflect on the many small blessings that create our lives.
What are some other things that make it really feel like fall is officially here to you? Do you have a tradition that fall wouldn’t be complete without doing? Maybe you’ve got a special treat that you only make or buy during this time of year. Let me know what it is in the comments, or tag @sanderlingdesignco on Instgram of you sharing that special thing! Maybe you’ll give me some inspiration for a new sketch! Can’t wait to talk with you again soon!
With Love and Kindness,
