Although for some, fall means the end of a thrilling summer vacation and a transition back into old routines, it is still undoubtedly the best time of year. The hustle and bustle of summer travel winds down, and a crisp newness enters the air. Pumpkins begin to line suburban porches and festive decorations hit the stores. Chilly fall evenings gradually replace humid summer nights, and all becomes right with the world. If you still have any doubts over the beauty of autumn, perhaps this will open your mind.
1. Everything becomes pumpkin-flavored.
Even if you refuse to agree with the rest of the world that pumpkin flavored coffee is both delicious AND festive, you can at least admit indulging in your fair share of pumpkin pie or pumpkin cookies over the years. You would be lying if you said eating a pumpkin-flavored (or pumpkin-themed) treat didn't bring you joy.
2. Halloween is one of the most magical times of the year.
Let's face it, Halloween is not a holiday, it's a season. Some may even argue it's a way of life. Halloween is really just a second Christmas, except you will find more Miley Cyrus costumes on the racks than Santa suits. Bags of candy fill every store, not to mention all the fun decorations and costumes. It's one night of the year where you can truly be anything you want to be, whether it be a princess, a superhero, or a minion (this is a judgment-free zone).
3. Flannels make a comeback.
Who doesn't love a nice, cozy flannel? Fall weather means busting those bad boys out of the closet and taking them for a spin around town. You can rock a flannel through a multitude of styles, manage to look chic, and still feel comfy. It's really the superior shirt.
4. Leggings and yoga pants come back swinging!
Although most girls try to cling to the comfort of their leggings and yoga pants year-round, when fall rolls back around, they become the perfect pants for every occasion! Let's say you need to run to the grocery store. What is there to wear? Leggings or yoga pants! Maybe you want to hit up an exercise class. What would be both comfortable and practical to wear? Leggings or yoga pants! Perhaps your wild Friday night includes binge-watching Netflix. Whatever could you wear for such an occasion? You guessed it. Leggings or yoga pants!
5. Any outfit can instantly be made dressier by adding a scarf.
An outfit comprised of an over-sized sweater or sweatshirt, jeans or leggings, and boots can instantly be turned up a notch by adding a scarf. Whether it be an old-school Pashmina or a trendy infinity scarf, your outfit will instantly look more put together.
6. Nothing beats a chilly fall evening.
Whether it consists of a hayride, bonfire, football game, haunted house, or Netflix binge-session, nothing holds a candle to the crisp feeling of a fall night. The days get a little shorter, the temperature starts dropping, and if you're lucky, you may be able to see your breath!
7. TV shows start back up and the annoying summer reruns come to an end.
All those sitcoms, reality shows, gameshows, and competitions you have missed so much make their return in the fall. Finally our weekly dose of Adam Levine and Blake Shelton can be fulfilled by watching The Voice return on TV.
8. Football season returns.
The time for gathering with friends and family for weekend football games finally comes back into play. Nothing brings people closer together than the joy of a victorious game or the sorrow of a terrible loss. If you're not a fan of the sport, weekend football gatherings still rock because of all the tasty game food. You can't go wrong!
9. Apple season means amazing desserts.
First off, apple picking is irrefutably awesome. Secondly, apples make some amazing desserts, pastries, and dishes, so what's not to love? Fall means having ample opportunity to stuff your face with apple pie, apple crumble cake, apple turnovers, cinnamon apples, and caramel apples. That is a whole lot of deliciousness.
10. Nature becomes even more incredible in the fall.
It's the season of harvest! Plus, the trees give us an art show and turn brilliant, warm colors. Nothing beats a drive through the mountains in the fall, admiring all the colors and scenery.
11. No more ridiculous heat advisories.
No one likes to sweat, especially from a simple trip to the mailbox. These 100+ degree days are getting old, especially when that means the heat index is a solid 108 or so degrees. Paired with 100% humidity, this heat has been slowly sucking the life out of all species for the past few months. Fall is just awesome and chilly, and the world needs a break.
12. Curling up under a blanket with a hot drink becomes a nightly occurrence.
What's more therapeutic than curling up on the couch or in bed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, kicking back, and enjoying some good old Netflix? Cool fall nights make such behavior a mandatory end to each day.
13. Fall literally has holidays dedicated to eating.
It's already been established that Halloween is the best, and for good reason. Besides the super cool costumes and decorations, the holiday revolves around the consumption of candy. That's just beautiful. Also, Thanksgiving can't be disregarded. Yes, it is technically a holiday about giving thanks and being gracious, but those warm feelings are accompanied by the biggest and best spread of carbs ever. Pass the mashed potatoes, please.
14. You are never too old for a good leaf pile.
You are lying to yourself and the world if you say you have never jumped into a leaf pile. Though you might walk away with dead leaf debris in your hair for a few days, the experience is totally worth it.