Did you know that the meteorological start of fall occurs on September 1 but the astrological start of fall (a.k.a. the autumnal equinox) occurs 3 weeks later on September 22? Why….because the astronomical calendar is based on the earth’s rotational tilt compared to the sun, while the meteorological calendar is based on average temperatures (Source: National Centers for Environmental Information).
Here are 7 great reasons to fall in love with this season, in no particular order. Enjoy 🙂
Reason #7: Pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING
I am a pumpkin junkie. I drink pumpkin-flavored coffee throughout the year but when Dunkin Donut gets their annual supply of pumpkin-flavored treats, I am in pumpkin heaven. I have a gluten sensitivity which means that I feel like crap when I eat gluten (stomach issues, joint pain) but I will make an exception for a pumpkin donut, a pumpkin muffin, and pumpkin pancakes from Dennys. I feel awful for a few days but it’s definitely worth it for this fall treat. I’m about to try making my own gluten-free pumpkin donuts – I’ll be sure to share that recipe in a future blog.
Reason #6: Fall Decorations
In keeping with the pumpkin theme, I have to say that I love decorating for fall more than any other season. Every since I had my own front porch, I love to decorate with pumpkins, hay bales, and colorful mums. Hardy mums(Crisanthamums) just showed up in my area about 2 weeks ago so I’ll be heading out to purchase some shortly. These fall beauties create such a gorgeous backdrop inside and out of the house. I’ll be sure to share photos of my fall decor over the coming weeks. I can’t even wait!
Reason #5: Soup
I absolutely adore a hot bowl of homemade soup when the weather starts to turn chilly. Obviously, you can have soup any time of year but I rarely find myself craving soup when the weather is warm. Now that fall is upon us, I am excited to whip a few batches of homemade soup. My favorites are chicken noodle soup, Italian wedding soup, and vegetable beef soup. The vegetable beef soup freezes really well and is gluten-free. And it is really easy to substitute rice instead of noodles when making chicken soup. I have an abundance of butternut squash in my garden right now so I’m gonna try making an autumn squash soup for the first time. Does anyone have advice for me?
Reason #4: Apples
Fall is prime apple season in Pennsylvania. I love a glass of fresh apple cider. It is chock full of sugar so you don’t want to overdo it. My other favorite is a warm apple dumpling with cinnamon ice cream. I wait all year long for both of these treats, which I always get at our local fair (The Bloomsburg Fair). But alas, this year’s fair is canceled due to Covid-19 so may need to wait until next year to get my hands on one of those dumplings 🙁
Reason #3: Fall Fashion
I have always loved fall clothes. Fall usually “back to school” shopping which usually means amazing sales. Since many kids are not going “back to school” this year, everything seems so weird. Anyway, who doesn’t adore the feeling of a soft comfy sweater, jeans, and boots? I’m excited to refresh my sweater collection this year as I lost almost 50 pounds over the last year. That’s a story for another time though. It will soon be time to dig out the winter coats, hats, and mittens, but for now, I’m looking forward to big cozy sweaters and my comfortable UGG boots.
Reason #2: Thanksgiving
Easter is my favorite holiday, but Thanksgiving is my second favorite. We always host Thanksgiving at our house. It’s a mad rush every year but I love the planning and having our whole family together. I usually try experimenting with a new recipe every year but we always have the “old favorites”. My mom makes the best filling and my mother-in-law makes the best cauliflower with cheese sauce. Secretly, I also look forward to the cranberry sauce shaped like a can. I could make real cranberry sauce but why mess with perfection, right?
Reason #1: Football!!!
Baseball may have the title of America’s National Pastime but Football reigns supreme as America’s Favorite Sport. It is certainly my family’s favorite sport. Once again, Covid-19 is messing up our plans but I hope we can still enjoy a great season of NFL football. Its been a long time since the Superbowl so we can’t wait for the season to kickoff.
It’s hard to say goodbye to warm summer days but it is certainly easier when you have so much goodness to look forward to. Bring on the pumpkin pie!
What are some of your favorite fall traditions? I’d love to hear about them!
Until next time – keep looking for the goodness in your world.
With gratitude – Denise 🙂
The fabulous colours! The crisp feeling in the air! This turning part of the year is my favourite. The earth giving us a glorious flourish before settling down for its long winter nap.
Hi Sarah – yes, yes, yes! The colors are amazing. My husband and I got married on October 4th, outside, because the fall colors are so amazing. I’ve never been to the New England states during the fall but that trip in on my bucket list. Mother Nature is glorious and as I get older (now 51) I really appreciate these things more and more! Be well – Denise
I can tell you love all things fall, especially the pumpkin treats. I would enjoy visiting the east coast to experience fall colors. I can imagine fall is stunningly beautiful. Thanks for sharing your delight in all things fall!
Hi Beth – I’m drinking a pumpkin coffee as I type this! I do love the pumpkin treats and I can’t believe that I forgot to mention the pumpkin beer (with carmel and brown sugar on the glass rim). That is an extra special treat for me since beer has gluten. I do hope you make a visit to the east coast – ideally during early October when the leaves are at their peak. Be well! Denise
YES to all of this! We love fall weather when we can start making our Slow Cooker soups and chilis to last us the week! And pumpkin-flavored treats are life! I made a pumpkin cream cheese bread last year that I am dying to make again!
#6 fall decorating is hands down my addiction. I spend way too much money on new decor items every year. But I also love fall for the comfort food, pumpkin patches, halloween movies, bonfires, nature hikes, and more. Too much goodness in fall.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of these reasons! I always say winter is my favorite season (I ADORE Christmas), but honestly sometimes I think my favorite is actually fall! I live in New England so I love seeing the leaves change, and feeling the weather get colder. The mums and decorations come out, and I love to decorate my own apartment for fall and for Halloween trick or treating in the building. Pumpkin and apple everything, and comfort food cooking and baking- it’s the best season for food!
I agree with all of this! Fall is the best season 100% for all the reasons listed above.
For your butternut, go with a simple butternut squash soup. Very simply, but very delicious!
Can I just say… Hello boot weather! I LOVE boots and 2nd your thought on fall fashion. Yes the sales! Just this past week I found an AMAZING deal on a pair of Frye boots. $40 for a $280 value!! There is just something about fall (& spring)… the transition into something new feels refreshing. Doesn’t it feel like we can just take on anything?!
My anniversary is in October. We picked that month because we both love the fresh, crisp air it brings to south Louisiana. Not to mention the beautiful show of colors, delicious foods, festivals, and yes, FOOTBALL!
Fall has always been my favorite season. I love to make homemade pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup!
This is so much fun! Pumpkin everything is great! Thanks for sharing!
What a fun post! Being in Oklahoma, we are definitely ready for some cooler weather. And who doesn’t love the holidays? I am gluten free due to celiac disease. There are tons of gluten free recipes on pinterest but sometimes you can substitute a gluten free 1 to 1 flour in place of the regular flour if you have a regular recipe you want to use. I’m looking forward to seeing your recipe so I can try it.
Fall is my favorite season. I always feel like it’s my own personal “new year” time. I love Halloween, my birthday is right after, then Thanksgiving, then 2/4 of my kids’ birthdays…then Christmas…it’s like the year ends with a BANG. I always use September for resetting goals and getting things done.
I love fall time! Thanks for sharing these ideas, love each one! Fall time always makes me think of family! I love living in an area that has fall come to life.
I agree Tiffany. One of my favorite family photos is where my kids are at a pumpkin patch. Definitely lots of good family activities this time of year. Be well! Denise