Alright, people. It's September and you know what that means: it's officially the best time of year, AKA Fall. OK, so maybe the season doesn't technically start until the end of this month (September 21st is the Autumn solstice), but when it comes to the only season that truly matters, I think it's acceptable to let such a minor detail slide. Summer's already on its deathbed, so why not speed up the process a bit?
Aside from the calendar and the influx of cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and Pumpkin-Spice-everything, there's another, less tasteful indicator that it's Autumn — endless articles that list the same old, boring things about the "best" parts of Fall. Don't get me wrong, I love hot chocolate and cozy scarves just as much as the next fan of Fall, but there are certain aspects of the superior season missing from those lists that only a bonafide Autumn Addict can recognize.
1. The wonderful smell of crisp weather
I'm not quite sure how weather can have a scent, but we all know what I'm talking about.
2. The disgustingly-satisfying squelch of removing pumpkin seeds
It's a necessary evil that we all lowkey love a bit.
3. The wide range of colors to admire
This leads to conversations like "Wow, the canary yellow shade of this leaf is STUNNING" and "No, the sky isn't merely gray, it's more of a xanadu. What do you mean I 'just made that up'?"
4. Crunching leaves under your feet
Let's not pretend that you haven't gone completely out your way just to stomp on a particularly crispy-looking pile of leaves.
5. Taking a sip of apple cider when it's the perfect temperature
The ONLY acceptable way to drink apple cider, and other hot drinks, is to do it Goldilocks-style: not too hot, not too cold, but juuust right.
6. Admiring the texture of sweaters
"I wonder how much polyester is in this thing?"
7. Wearing comfortable boots
Flip-flops are okay, but nothing compares to the feeling of slipping your feet into a pair of sturdy boots and feeling like you can destroy the world in them.
8. Planning your outfits around your cutest (and comfiest) socks
Is it possible to have too many socks? Maybe. But why stop now when irresistibly adorable dog socks exist?
9. Finding something new that's pumpkin-flavored
You name it, I've probably tried it. And if I haven't, go ahead and mark my name down.
10. The thrill of planning a Halloween costume
Arguably one of the most exciting parts of the season (though we all know that you started you planning November 1st of last year).
11. Reminding everyone around you that it's the best time of the year...
...And that drinking hot chocolate and wearing thick scarves is acceptable even in 75-degree weather — because duh, it is Fall, after all.