14 reasons to fall in love with fall

 

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns."

George Eliot

For as long as I can remember, fall has been my favorite time of year. I've always thought this was because I was born in late August so fall was the very first season I experienced. Whether that's the reason or not, the truth is this: I cannot get enough of fall. The colors, the holidays, the changes -- it's all so magical to me. Every year it's similar, but every year feels like I'm experiencing it for the first time. As I've been working for the past few months on living positively in the present moment, it makes a lot of sense to me to celebrate this present of mine -- the beautiful change in season -- and to give some thought to all of the things I love about fall. When talking about happiness, one of the key aspects that often comes up is gratitude. Like many people, I don't spend enough time focusing on what I'm grateful for (and I know I'd be a lot happier if I did!) so today I'm going to write about something I'm grateful right now in this very moment -- the reasons I love fall. So, here you have 'em... 
 

14 Reasons to Fall in Love with Fall

1. Orange is everywhere. It was years ago that Elle in Legally Blonde uttered the unsettling phrase, "Whoever said orange was the new pink is seriously disturbed," and I think she'd be eating her words these days. I've loved orange for as long as I can remember, but it's finally getting its due this year. Check out this article in the LA Times all about how orange is a hot trend for fall. I adore orange so it's always so great for me when fall comes around and suddenly all of the store windows are putting up their orangey goodness. I love orange so much this season, in fact, that I've gone ahead a purchased this orange couch. It was just delivered this week and I'm in orange heaven.
   
   

2. It's the most wonderful time of the year. Okay, I know that phrase come from a Christmas song, but Halloween is my Christmas. You know that excited feeling in the pit of your stomach that you get when you're a little kid and Christmas is just around the corner? Yeah, that's how I feel for the whole month of October. I love, love, love Halloween. I love the candy. I love the dressing up. I love the colors (hence the black/white/orange theme of my new apartment). I love it all (well, actually, I don't like anything having to do with frightening things, which makes my little obsession even more peculiar...). I get really, really into Halloween -- decorating, baking, sending cards -- so once fall comes around, it's a signal for the most wonderful, Halloween-y time of the year to begin!
   
   

3. The weather becomes dream-like. Where I live, the summers are too hot and humid, the springtime is unpredictable, and the winter is way too cold for my tastes. Fall, however, is perfect. Sometimes I will walk outside and think to myself, "This weather could not possibly be more perfect." It's almost as if the perfect mix of sun and clouds and slight chill was combined together to create the best weather ever. In particular, I love feeling the contrast of a warm day followed by a chilly night. While I often miss the lazy days of summer spent poolside, nothing can compare with the perfect temperatures and soft breeze of an autumn afternoon.
   
   

4. The fashion world flourishes. I know it's materialistic and totally uncool in the world of personal development, but I have to admit that I love fashion. I love picking out outfits, trying on clothes, and finding the perfect look. It's completely shallow, I know, but I really find something beautiful in matching colors and fabrics and experimenting with new ideas and trends. Fall is a really important time for fashion. So important, in fact, that there's even a movie out about Vogue's fall issue, The September Issue (can't wait to see it!). Fall is a big deal in the fashion world. Here are 5 Fall-tastic Posts from loyal PP reader, Meream, that you must check out. And here's a great article for the guys about Men's Fall Fashion.
   
   

5. You can curl up cozily by a fire. Though in general I'd  have to say that fire makes me a little nervous, I love a good fireplace fire. There is absolutely nothing in the world like grabbing a great book (or my Kindle!) and snuggling up to a fireplace alight with oranges and reds and even some deep blues. Even better is when you leave the room for a minute and return to find the fire still blazing, warm and waiting for you. There is nothing like curling up in front of a warm hearth (preferably with a cute animal of some kind) to get that cozy feeling that comes with fall. I'm not a fan of cold weather at all, but, when it starts to get chilly, a fire is a great way to turn up the heat.
    

6. Fresh school supplies pop up everywhere. Yeah, it's been awhile since I've been in school, but I still love new school supplies. There's nothing like a new pack of pens or a great new notebook to get this little writer all fired up. And markers! Don't even get me started on markers! I'm not even sure why in the world a 26-year-old needs markers, but I certainly love the feeling that comes along with opening a new box and exposing all of those beautiful colors. When I was younger, shopping for school supplies was one of my favorite things to do. I guess it just goes to show that even if you grow up you don't have to stop doing some of your favorite things!
   
   

7. New autumnal smells permeate the air. The first time you catch a whiff of smoke coming from a neighbor's chimney, you know fall as officially arrived. That smell mingles in with the dry leaves cluttering the ground and your olfactory senses can't deny that the smell of fall is in the air. When I lived in California, I missed this smell terribly. There is nothing that really compares with it and it's one of those things that would probably go unnoticed if a new (always sunny) environment didn't bring it to your attention. Now that I live back on the east coast, I am so aware of the changing seasons and cannot help but take notice of the way the smells change as the pages of the calendar flip by. Fall is filled with distinguishing scents and they fill my nose with happiness.
   
   

8. Leaves are always crackling underfoot. If you love fall, there's nothing like the sound of leaves crinkling and breaking underneath your shoes. It's a sound and a feeling I don't think I've ever grown tired of, no matter how many times I've heard or felt it. In fact, I seek it out. If I can walk through a cluster of leaves or around it, you better believe I'm going to walk through them, doing my best to crunch as many as possible. As a kid, I used to enjoy jumping in piles of leaves, but after hearing one too many stories about potential snake encounters, I've retired that activity. But just because I don't jump in doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good leaf-crunching. It's one of the best fall-time activities there is!
   
   

9. The changing trees look like rainbows. As the leaves change, occasionally you'll see a tree that's faded from red to orange to yellow to green. Or you'll see a row of trees that are all changing differently, creating a rainbow-like effect. Since I'm a big fan of color (and rainbows in particular), I love seeing the way nature creates its own on-the-ground rainbows in the fall. It's beautiful to see the leaves changing and it's also pretty amazing that they do it every year. When I was a kid, I used to think it was so magical, as if the trees just knew to change colors. Now, I know better (see this article on "Why Leaves Change Color"), but it's still pretty magical to see it happening, the little shifts in color every day. Beautiful!
   
   

10. Skies can transform from slate grey to brilliant blue. The clouds can be hanging low, radiating a deep, dark gray that makes you feel as if you should be at home, in bed, reading your favorite novel with a nice up of tea, and a few moments later the sky can explode into the most brilliant, perfect shade of blue. In the fall, it seems as though the sky is always shifting, not sure if it's ready to settle down in the gloomy overcast of winter and not quite ready to let go of the warm summer sunshine. Having felt this way many times myself (to be gloomy or not to be gloomy...?), I can relate to the weather patterns in the fall. Whether it's a storm-colored or sun-washed sky, there is something equally interesting about the various looks of fall. Some moments are gloriously colorful and others are muted by the skies dark hues. Either way, there is emotion in the autumn skies and I love that about them.  
    
    

11. Warm drinks heat things up. Now I've seen quite a few mentions about Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes on Twitter and on other blogs, so I'll start there. These things are delicious and you can't get them just any time you want 'em. You have to wait until the fall. And all of that waiting makes them even more delicious. In addition to these delicious drinks, you can also indulge in hot chocolate and warm apple cider. Yum! There's nothing like some mini marshmallows or a swirling cinnamon stick to make you feel warm inside and out. It's especially nice when you can have one of these warm drinks outside, the heat from the liquid warming you every time you take a sip.
    
    

12. Football season has its big kickoff. Anyone who knows me and is reading this is probably like, "Whaaaaat?" at the sight this one. I'll be honest; I am not -- and I repeat NOT -- a sports girl. I don't play sports. I don't want to play sports. And, quite honestly, I don't even like watching sports. But there's something about football season (and that's American football for all of you non-USA peeps) that is just exciting. People get so into the games (still not really sure why...) and whenever you watch a game with a bunch of people, there is just this energy in the room with everyone cheering for their favorite teams. Not to mention there are always delicious snacks to be had at any good football party...
    
    

13. Seasonal treats make their debut. Some of my favorite foods come out in full force when the weather starts to cool down. For example, apples. They are at their best when it's fall. They are delicious by themselves or (if I'm lucky and my mom makes one) in a pie. And, even more important than apples is candy corn. There is absolutely nothing in the world better than a fresh bag of Brach's candy corn (and, yes, they have to be fresh; stale ones are just no good). Since I don't eat these any other time of the year, they feel like an extra special fall treat when I pick up a big in mid-September. And, yep, there's one stashed in my desk right now!
    
    

14. The spirit of change is in the air. I saved one of the best for last. Fall, whether you like it or not, is all about change. The season is changing. The weather (in most places) is changing. Change is all around us and it's deliciously intoxicating. Though many people think of the New Year as a time for change, a time to make resolutions, I've always thought of fall as a great time to change things up. I guess this comes from the fact that, as a kid, fall is the new (school) year. After years and years of getting used to the idea that things would be new in September, I've kind of gotten used to thinking of fall as a time for new beginnings, and that's one of the most wonderful things about this time of year.
    
    
    
    

Re-reading this post, I'm actually kind of surprised. I always knew I was a fan of the autumn season, but I had know idea I could write this much about it. (You'd think if I had this much to say about a season, I'd be well on my way with that novel already!) But I suppose this post was a good one for me because it gave me a chance to tune in to something that I really love and write a great deal about it. There's nothing like writing a passionate post to brighten an overcast fall day... I would highly recommend writing about something that means a lot to you; even just jotting down a few notes about it will instantly brighten your spirits. Clearly, something that lifts my mood is thinking (and writing!) about fall, but I'd love to hear what you think about this season...

Do you celebrate the awesomeness of autumn as much as I do?
If you're cheering on the change of season, what do you love most about it?
If you're not falling in love with fall, what IS your favorite time of the year? Why?

Comments

[Miche]

What a great reminder how nice fall really is! When I was young, I was a summer girl, and fall meant summer was over. Now I adore the fall season. I'm a native New England gal: the perfect days that fall brings (there really are some absolutely perfect ones) and the smoke in the chimney, signaling fall has officially arrived. So true!

-Miche :)

[Hayden Tompkins]

Being a native Floridian for most of my life, fall is kind of a new concept for me. I'm not convinced yet that it's awesome, though I will admit that the leaves can be pretty. If only they'd all change at the same time though!

[Positively Present]

Miche - I also used to hate that "summer's over" feeling that came with fall, but now that I have a full time job and don't have summer's off, it's lessened somewhat. I've heard that New England is absolutely beautiful in the fall and people travel from all over just to see the leaves!

Hayden - Fall is wonderful! You've gotta give it a chance. Maybe it's something you have to live with all of your life to really get into, but I'm guessing it'll probably grow on you. I agree with you about the leaves. It would be nice if they could all change at the same time!

[lisa]

Dani, i'm with you - these next few months are my favorite time of year. although we're still in the 80s here on the NC coast, i know those crisp mornings will be here soon! one of my holiest fall treats is listening to the leaves fall - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
hope your fall is wonderFULL.

[melita]

i couldn't have put it better myself. autumn is my favorite season for all of the reasons you listed above! and that orange couch is awesome!!

[Jay Schryer]

I love Fall, too...but more importantly, I loved reading about why YOU love Fall so much. You've shown more passion here than you have in a long time, and it's a real pleasure to read! This is a good way to spread happiness, btw. When you write with this intensity, this kind of passion, it's infects the reader with happiness. You're *so* awesome!

[Jewel/Pink Ink]

I love fall, too.

Especially being outside enjoying the cooler, just-right temperature.

I always look forward to dressing for fall. Long sleeve shirts, jackets, boots. Makes me feel COZY.

[Srinivas Rao]

Hey Dani,

Probably for the first time in our blogging friendship I won't agree with you :) But that's because I'm spoiled. I live in California and while some people love the seasons, I find bliss in knowing that is 75 and sunny all year long with some scorching summer days :). But, I can find everything you describe an hour away from me in the mountains. The joys of living in a place where you can surf in the morning, ski in the afternoon, and play golf in the dessert all in the same day. I'm sure I'd love the fall if I were on the East Coast.

[Daphne]

Dani, I love fall now too, for many of the same reasons you wrote in your post. I can tell how much it inspires you. Kudos for sharing your passion with your readers. I didn't grow up with seasons, so discovering them when I went to college in the midwest was a wonderful experience. I love the feeling of change and the snuggle potential of warmer clothes, sitting by a fire, and flannel sheets! I gather fall leaves and send them to my mom since she doesn't see too many in California. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Peggy (aka Tool Box Girl)]

We didn't get much of a summer in New Hampshire this year, so when the air started with that chill towards the end of August, I was a little bummed. I wanted summer to last a bit longer.

But Fall is my favorite time of year. It's why I still call New England home. It's the embodiement of all things autumn.

The State Fair
The Scottish Highland Games
The colors of leaves (we've got some maples turning early)
The smell of fall is in the air
Pumpkin Spice Coffee at Dunkin Donuts
Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin and Apple picking at the orchard
Decorating for Halloween (my favorite!)
Snuggling with my sweetie
Star Gazing (it's time to get the telescope out!)

...but best of all...
My daughter is getting married October 17. Right smack dab in the middle of peak foliage season for us. She's going to have a glorious day!

Have an awesome weekend!
Peggy

[Positively Present]

Lisa - Fall is great isn't it? It's still pretty warm here too (though it's cooling off today) but I'm looking forward to wearing boots and sweaters soon! :)

Melita - Yay! So glad you like fall too! It's an amazing time of year and my couch fits in well with the season (and my ever present love of the color orange!).

Jay - Haha, yeah, I went a little bit overboard in this post, but I guess that's what happens when I get excited about something! I really enjoyed writing this one and it's great to know that you think it's a great way to spread happiness. I agree. People love to read about things others are excited about, even if they don't love those things themselves. You're awesome too, Jay!

Jewel - Coziness is the best, isn't it? I'm not a fan of really cold weather, but I like bundling up in sweaters and boot and feeling cozy. Fall clothes are the best!

Srinivas - Oh, as much as I love everything about fall, I would trade it all in an instant to move back out to CA and have warm weather all the time. If I could convince my family and friends to move too, I'd be there tomorrow! Fall is wonderful but, as you said, it's something you can travel to experience. No need to deal with fall's close cousin, winter, if you don't have to. Enjoy those warm days and that sunshine!

Daphne - Interestingly, I was the opposite. I grew up with the seasons and then moved to CA for awhile. I loved it there and, as I said above, would move back in a heartbeat, but fall really is wonderful. Guess I'm trying to make the most of it now that I'm back on the east coast!

Peggy - Thanks for your awesome list. It got me even MORE excited about fall (if that's possible, haha). I've never experienced a New England fall, but I think I'd love it! I'm sure it's even better up north! That's wonderful about your daughter getting married. What a beautiful time of year to do it. I'm sure it'll be perfect!

[Dayne]

I love this list Dani! My favorite things about fall are...

-Wearing warm clothes.
-Sleeping in flannel sheets.
-Making a big crock pot of chili.
-The freshness in the twilight air.

Thanks for the great post!

Cheers,

Dayne
http://www.TheHappySelf.com

[Kenny]

I know what you mean. There is something a bit magical about the fall. The store I work in has an aisle full of fall decorations and the smell of the candles combined with the decorations always puts a smile on my face. Strangely, I didn't care for fall that much until this year. But hey better late than never.

[Valerie]

What a great list. So extensive and beautiful too. Makes me want to go for a long walk along the paths in the river valley, soak up the scents, sounds and beauty. Beautiful post.

[Mark]

I too love the Fall and for almost all of the reason you do! This seems like the most clear season, crisp air, beautiful array of colors, I feel the most alive in the fall, not running for the heat or for the AC, being one with the environment as it is.

[Coach J]

I looooove fall. I too am a sucker for warm drinks (Pumpkin Spice Latte anyone?). The freezing cold winter? not so much. Thanks for the post.

[Positively Present]

Dayne - Thanks so much! I loved writing it! Ooh, flannel sheets and chili are good ones. I'm a vegetarian, but I love veg chili. Did you know today is "Hug a Vegetarian Day"? Betcha didn't!

Kenny - Absolutely. Even without the Halloween stuff, fall really is magical. I feel the same way when I walk through a store that has fall decor displayed. Totally makes me smile! Better late than never is right!

Valerie - Glad you liked the list. It was a lot of fun for me to write because fall really makes me happy! Going for walks in the fall is lovely. I'll have to make sure I take advantage of that activity this year!

Mark - Fall is fantastic! It's definitely the most clear, crisp season; I completely get that description of it. And you brought up a great point about the temperature. It's nice not to have to have heat or AC on.

Coach J - Ooh, yes, that Pumpkin Spice Latte is the BEST. There is something so wonderful about sipping one of those on a cool fall morning. Also, the Chai Tea Latte is pretty fall-like and delicious.

[Kaushik]

Hi Dani,

I live in Florida but I'm in Connecticut, to visit family. I try to spend the autumn here. The colors are just beginning to change...it's vibrant, refreshing, as you say, dream-like...it's fun just to take long walks!

k

[All Women Stalker]

Sadly, there is no fall where I am from. But leaves cracking under my feet is one of the best sounds in the world.

-meream

[Positively Present]

Kaushik - That's nice that you're getting to enjoy the autumn in Connecticut while having the opportunity to be in Florida for the winter. Lucky you! It's definitely wonderful and refreshing to experience the wonders of fall.

Meream - Oh, bummer! Maybe one day you can travel during the fall to a different place and crackle leaves under your feet. It's an invigorating sound!

[Elisa]

haha, I just said in my video blog that autumn is my favorite season. I love all the reasons that you said and will toss in this one. As a person living in Maine, I'm used to resigning myself to about 5 months of VERY cold and snowy weather. For most people up here they hate autumn for what it comes next. I LOVE it for that reason. You wear sweaters cause they are cute and keep the autumn chill off. You drink mulled cider cause it's yummy, not cause you need to warm yourself up. You curl up by the fire with a book/cutie/nap just cause, not to avoid a blizzard. I love the absolute freedom of choice that autumn offers and the beauty it shows.

[Patricia]

Autumn is lovely and today was stunning here - sunny 71F and the Mountain rising across the bay like beauty...still snow in places - purple where the glaciers have receded....and the trees in the first nip of turn... Evergreens in crisp relief
Lovely list - Thank you

[Sunny Jamiel]

Dani,

I always fell for the fall. :-)

Here is a lovely poem about it which I wanna share.

Leaves by Elsie Brady

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

[Positively Present]

Elisa - That's awesome that you love fall so much too! I love the reason you added too! That's such a great one. People often don't like fall because they know winter's coming. Instead, they should be happy that they get to do "wintery" things for fun, not because they have to. You've made such a great point in your comment and such a positive one too. Thanks, Elisa!

Patricia - Ooh, sounds like a perfectly lovely fall day there. I love the way you wrote your comment. Beautifully written and inspiring me to love fall even more...

Sunny - What a beautiful poem and so perfect for this post! I love the idea of leaves making a carpet, waiting for snow. Such wonderful imagery in the poem. Thank you so much for sharing it here on PP.

[Armen Shirvanian]

Hey Dani.

You sure are right about the spirit of change in the air due to the season. It is good to feel that and go with it before it subsides in any fashion. Energy brings goodness.

I sure am looking forward to cooling and cold weather. I'd rather have freezing weather over burning weather any day, or have it be X degrees below median temperature than have it be X degrees above median temperature, if I had to make that choice.

[BeTrulyHappy]

Hey Dani,

Very thoughtful post. You make fall sound so good!

Thanks,

Faizal

[Mandy]

I'd have to say I've never been a huge fan of fall. I was always impatient for winter to come so I could snowboard. This list definitely shows me that I should be taking the time to look around and appreciate all the changes happening around me.

[Positively Present]

Armen - As you said, it's a great idea to embrace the fall season before it fades. The energy of change that comes with the season is important to recognize. I'm the opposite of you -- a warm weather person -- but I do enjoy the cooling that comes with fall.

Faizal - Thank you! Fall IS so good. :)

Mandy - It's important to look for the good things in all seasons... we'll see how I do with that when it comes to winter because I am NOT a fan of the cold. Snowboarding season will be here soon though and that will be awesome for you!

[Tracy]

We are still firmly in summer here, but your post made me smile. Last year, my 3 y/o fell in love with pumpkins. He carried little baby ones around like a teddy bear or blankie until they got squishy and had to be replaced. When the stores ran out of pumpkins, he carried around acorn squash.

You should have seen the look on his face when they opened up a temporary "pumpkin patch" in the parking lot of one of the stores here. Hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes!

Heh, I did get him a Styrofoam one from a crafts store to carry around this year. The fruit flies were not so cute.

[J.D. Meier]

You had me at Fall.

Something about Fall gives me a new zest. It's my power seasons. Maybe it's the back to school thing or the fresh, crisp air or the crinkle of the leaves. Maybe it's just that it's almost Halloween.

[Positively Present]

Tracy - That's so adorable! A little pumpkin lover! I think the Styrofoam was a good idea for this year, but that's so cute that he likes pumpkins so much. :)

J.D. - Haha, awesome! I love that fall is your "power season." What a cool way of putting it! I think it's definitely a combination of back-to-school, the weather, and Halloween (though mostly Halloween because it's the best day EVER!).

[Hilary]

Hi Dani .. you sure love the Fall - it is beautiful .. but I don't like the cold .. so at the moment it is fine - bright sunny days, but the cold weather I could do without! So Spring for me .. with long daylight hours, and warmth .. must be my Johannesburg hankering days .. it's Spring down there!!

Enjoy this time .. orangey hues ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

[Positively Present]

Hilary - Oh, yes, I do! I just love it! But, like you, I HATE cold weather so I'm not looking forward to winter at all. I'm looking forward to making the most of these beautiful autumn days before the chill arrives!

[Gilbert Ross]

Hey Dani so you're an Autumn lover too :) Let's celebrate Autumn!!!
I feel so inspired by Autumn. I should write a poem about Autumn.

Thanks Dani you really got me in the mood...what a great post!!

[Positively Present]

Gilbert - I'm so glad the post inspired you and got you excited for autumn! You should definitely write a poem and come back here and post it. :) I'd love to read a fall-inspired poem!

[Syd]

Fall is my favorite season too. I find it nostalgic. The leaves burning. Jumping in the piles of leaves when I was a kid. The excitement of going back to school. It brings back a lot of memories. The hot, humid days are nearly done. The colors of fall. All of it has a kind of mosaic of beauty.

[Positively Present]

Syd - Awesome! I know what you mean about the nostalgic feeling of fall... It reminds me of school, of trick-or-treating, of the leaves I used to jump into piles of... There's a lot of excitement and change in the fall and I find that very inspiring!

[Katherine]

This is a nice website. Very positive. Just the kind of stuff I'm looking for. You pretty much sum up everything that I love about autumn too. :)

[Positively Present]

Katherine - Thank you! I'm so glad you like the site and enjoy the content. It's also great to know you love autumn as well. It's a great time of the year!