Photo Credit: Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Go ahead and disagree if you want; you're entitled to your opinion. However I will disagree with your disagreement, because autumn is my favorite season. Why? Because reasons. I have a list if you're interested:
1. The colors. There's nothing like the colors of fall. So many shades of warmth all melded together, like the sun is melting and stray drops of fire and light blanket the earth. The variation of reds, oranges, golds, and browns on all the trees never fails to brighten my mood, because despite the slight chill, something about those colors make me feel warm, and at home. 2. Leaves. On the trees, the leaves are beautiful. On the ground, they seem to light up the streets, like candles on a pathway. They're some of the most natural decorations, and add to the earthy, autumn-y scent. And they make THE BEST NOISE. Wet leaves can be kind of sad, but the crunch of fresh fallen leaves under my feet is definitely another mood-booster.
3. Crisp air. I would rather be warm than cold, but I still love the crispy air of fall. I mean, you can smell it. Autumn has a very distinct scent, there's no mistaking it. And again, it sort makes me feel at home. It's a peaceful scent. One that for me, marks the first day of autumn. And it's not too hot, not too cold- jeans, converse, a light jacket or flannel. To me, that's just perfect.
4. Pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. You laugh, but pumpkin spice is a God-send. Coffee, spice cakes, pancakes, cookies, scented candles, breads, teas, even beers. Call me crazy, but my fall season is not complete without pumpkin spice. It's become kind of a cliche now, which is sad, and people make fun of it. But let's not underestimate the awesomeness of the pumpkin.
5. Food. And drinks. I mean, you could make a case for the food at Christmas, or Thanksgiving (which, in my opinion, can be either a fall or winter holiday, depending on the weather...). But the food and drink of fall is another homey piece of happiness. Chili of all kinds, cornbread, honey crisp apples, warm cider, seasonal beers, soups, corn on the cob, pies, hot chocolate, Starbuck's Chili Mocha, tea in the afternoon...I could go on. I guess it leads into the next one, so I will go on! 6. The harvest. How cool does that sound? THE HARVEST. Complete with harvest/blood/many other names moon (the last full moon before Halloween, so low in the sky that it appears red) which is also really cool. But all the delicious fall vegetables make their appearance around this time- corn, squash, sweet potatoes, etc. Yum. Makes you feel a little closer to nature. 7. HALLOWEEN! My favorite holiday, if you haven't guessed, in my favorite month. Also known as All Hallows Eve, which is just awesome. I've always been into magical, mystical, spiritual type things, plus there's costumes, jack-o-lanterns, neat decorations and music, Halloween themed movies (Hocus Pocus has always been a personal favorite), the most awesome combination of colors (purple (my favorite), orange, black, and lime green), and a certain air of magic and freedom. I've always loved history and culture too, and to me the history of/aspects of Halloween are the most interesting, and the culture one that draws you in. And it always reminds me of the culture of New England (I have been to Williamsburg, a lovely, historical place), sometimes in another time, and for some reason that comforts me. On a side note, that kind of makes me wonder who and where I was in another life... 8. Other activities. Corn mazes, bonfires, apple picking, the World Series, pumpkin carving, raking leaves, jumping in leaves, hay rides, baking, quiet walks. So many things. 9. Boots. It's boot season (which comes with leggings and leg warmers/warm socks/boot socks). I know some of you will understand this. I love my converse, but I've also come to love wearing boots. Especially with flannel. I'm obsessed with flannel. And no, I do not own ugh boots (I actually find them kind of ugly - no pun intended). 10. Sunsets. Sunrises, too, if you're up to see them. The sky comes alive with color, only now the colors the sun makes correspond with the colors of the earth. They compliment each other.
So, if you're not convinced that autumn is the greatest time of year, then you should probably re-read my list. Autumn is perfect. It's quiet, warm, not too moody, and reveals both big and small beauties each day. A season after my own heart.