I’ve never particularly liked fall. It means saying farewell to summer, sleeping until noon and my tan (not that I ever really had one).The daily grind has returned in full force. Autumn isn’t my favorite season, but something does feel different this year. Even though I’m already as white as a snowflake and midterms have hit me like a truck, I'm actually enjoying the season. So, here are 20 things I'm learning to appreciate about fall.
1. Changing Leaves
An obvious fall classic: watching the leaves change color. Patches of endless green trees become interspersed with flourishes of red, orange and yellow...something dying has never looked so beautiful.
2. Sports
Let's get one thing straight: I am not a sports fan. (I scroll past ESPN 100 percent of the time.) But if you are a sports fan, there is always a game to watch.
3. Apple Orchards
'Tis the season of apple pie, apple picking, and apple orchards! Going to an orchard is a great daytime activity for people of all ages.
4. Pumpkin Carving
The second best thing about pumpkins (the first being eating them in a pie, obviously) is carving them. Unleashing your inner creativity on a blank orange canvas is fun, but seeing the ridiculous results is more fun.
5. Hay Rides
Hay rides are a nice excuse to hold on tight to your boyfriend. If you're lucky like me, you get to go hay rides at least once a year.
6. Two Holidays
The best thing about having two distinct holidays within one month is the continual celebration. And the food.
7. The Food
Have I mentioned THE FOOD?! On past Thanksgivings I have seen the endless amounts of holiday favorites spread out in front of me and promised myself I wouldn't overeat to the point of needing to unbutton my pants. That attitude wasn't very much fun, so now I just wear yoga pants instead.
8. Halloween Candy
Yes, please.
9. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Did you really think I'd forget about this cult classic?? It isn't fall without a trip to your local Starbucks to pick up a PSL.
10. Chilling By A Fireplace
A good book + a warm fireplace = the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
11. Cuddling Up In A Blanket
Blankets are multi-functional in the fall: they keep you warm while also shielding you from the horror movies you're watching.
12. Wearing Hats
I love hats because they keep the bad hair day you're having a secret.
13. Sweater Weather
Sweaters are unquestionably one of the best things about cold weather. The feeling of snuggling into your favorite sweater after several months is like a warm hug from an old friend.
14. Flannel
During fall, I cannot go a single day without seeing someone wearing flannel. With endless combinations of color and patch size, there is a flannel out there for everyone.
15. Bootie Season
If you don't own a pair of fall boots by now, I just have one question for you. Why?
16. Fall Nail Polish
It seems like everyone alternates between a few colors in the fall: wine red, black, dark purple, or taupe. Even your fingers can have fall spirit.
17. Warm Coffee Cups
Forget expensive hand warmers or thick gloves. These work just as well and taste better too!
18. Fall Rainstorms
Rainstorms any time of the year are great, actually.
19. Homecoming
Homecoming is always one of the most exciting weeks of the school year. Go, Gophers!
