I know, what kind of teenager am I that I'm excited for summer to end?
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a drastically different person in summer versus the school year. Let's just say I'm not the most pleasant individual when deprived of sleep and stressed. However, every year around this transition from summer to the beginning of school, I find myself excited to move forward. And this is not excitement for the countless hours I spend studying or writing papers, the waking up at an ungodly hour or the loss of free time that I enjoy from late May to early August. No, this excitement comes from my love of autumn and winter among several other reasons.
1. No more 100-degree Heat
Call me a disgrace to Southerners everywhere, but I am, without question, drawn to cooler temperatures. Few things can be more exhausting than having to plan all of your days' activities around the weather. Feel an urge to go for a jog? You better hope it's not between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Running in Georgia humidity is like trying to breathe underwater. And don't even get me started on seeing my car temperature hit 102 degrees daily. There's just something about a chill in the air and that wonderful smell of fall that makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside.
2. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas
The Fourth of July is always fun, and I am so grateful for all my family barbecues and fireworks shows. However, give me a choice between one of those three holidays and the Fourth of July or Memorial Day Weekend, and there's no contest. Charlie Brown, Rudolph, old-school animation films, hot chocolate, pine trees, snow, cookies, pumpkins, colorful leaves – I could go on forever. Sorry summer, compared to your counterpart season, you just aren't a match for me.
3. I can wear jeans and sweaters again
Anyone who's tried wearing long pants or long sleeves in Georgia from the months of June-September can easily relate. For all the rest of you lucky souls, here's what you would have to look forward to-- sweat...a lot of sweat. I feel great pity for anyone with a formal business job or career that enforces a dress code of long-sleeve shirts and pants during the summer. So, so sorry for you all.
4. Everyone seems to chill out with the weather
I remember my psychology teacher telling us that crime rates and car accidents always increase during the summer because the heat makes people more aggravated. My friends can tell you that I have an aggressive side, but that does not mean I enjoy aggressive behavior or angry people. There's just something about the cooler temperatures and holiday joy that makes people kinder – at least, I tend to notice it more after September.
After three long months of stifling hot temperatures and sunburn, I'm eagerly awaiting the day I can drink hot, vanilla caramel tea and nibble on my mom's pumpkin muffins without overheating.
