Let’s talk about the most underrated season: fall. I have been blessed to live in the Midwest where the change of season is a big deal. Sure, there are events in fall that make it special, but this season is easily overshadowed. It falls in between the two most anticipated seasons in the year. Summer is vacation time, and winter is holiday time. When fall comes around, school is starting and the free time is over. Also, the temperature starts to get colder. Living in the Chicago area, I am used to a little chill in the air, but the dropping temperature in fall only reminds me that summer is over. As the season progresses, people start to look ahead to winter. The first snowfall is magical, and the joy of holiday season is just around the corner. That corner is fall and people just want to get around it.
We should focus on the small things that make fall great. The leaves start to change color which paints the streets with brilliant colors of orange, yellow, and red, and while driving down the street, creates a blur of fall colors. Other than the beautiful scenery, the smell of fall is incredible. The air is fresh and crisp. It is free from the humidity of summer. The sensory advantages are overlooked if no one slows down to enjoy it.
This is the season of jeans and cute jackets. It is not too cold like winter, but it is just cold enough to wear a stylish outfit while being completely comfortable outside. You don’t have to worry about being too cold in your lightweight jacket, or worrying about ruining your new shoes in the snow. It’s sweatshirt and shorts season. A perfect solution to the warm, but slightly cold weather of fall. Also, pumpkin flavor returns. For a few months social media swarms with the tease of the pumpkin-flavored food. I have one request, don’t make fun of the pumpkin spice latte until you have tried one. They are heavenly.
Two well-known holidays are during the fall season: Thanksgiving and Halloween. The hype of fall revolves around these two special days. Halloween is one of the favorites among young children, but as someone gets older it becomes less of a big deal–for anyone over the age of 14, trick-or-treating is kind of frowned upon. Standard candy is great, but the festive candy corn is even better. Thanksgiving is an important holiday just because it allows us to give thanks for our opportunities, families and friends. The tradition is unique for everyone, and it is a great meal. However, by this time in fall, stores are already filled with holiday decorations, and everyone is preparing for the festivities. The street I grew up on lines the trees with lights and some people already put up the lights by or right after Thanksgiving.
Don't overlook all the small wonders of fall. There is still a month and a half left of fall. So enjoy it!
