8 Things I Absolutely Love About Fall

Today, September 22 marks the first day of Fall this year, and I am standing by the fireplace in my jammies doing my happy dance. Okay, so maybe the fireplace is a bit of overkill right now because it really isn’t that cold, but rest assured that I am not the only one soaking up the warmth. My three doggies have taken up permanent residence by the fireplace, and there is an ongoing battle to see who gets the perfect spot. Fall is my most favorite season of the year and I can’t wait to share with you the things I absolutely love about Fall!

I love everything about this beautiful season, and it surely is a welcome change with everything that’s been going on this year. In the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, where I grew up, there are only two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. Fall was something that I experienced only through movies and television shows, and even those didn’t quite capture the essence and beauty of the season. To experience it seems almost magical to me, even now, after all these years.

Those Things I Absolutely Love About Fall

1. Hello, cooler weather!

Growing up in a tropical paradise, the weather was nearly always perfect. As a child and young adult, I didn’t seem to mind sunshine and heat very much. Now that I’m older, I feel like I’m dying when I’m in warmer weather! I don’t like to sweat, I’m not a fan of bugs, and I can’t tolerate the heat as I used to…….it just drains me of all of my energy. Is it just me, or do you guys feel the same way too? So when Fall rolls around, I am more than ready to usher in the cooler temperatures.

There’s something so invigorating about the cool, crisp air, especially in the morning. It perks me up and gets me ready to start my day. I remember fondly the first time my brother visited me in the fall of 2017. It was so mind-boggling to him that the sun was shining, and yet when you walked outside, it felt like someone had turned on the air conditioning. What an experience that was for him!

2. The breathtaking colors

It still amazes me that just like clockwork, the leaves start changing color to herald the arrival of Fall. I appreciate the science behind it, but it is just so beautiful to see nature in all its glory. Simple things like driving around in the car or stepping out into the backyard seem so much more enjoyable, as the breathtaking views provide a lavish backdrop to all things mundane.

3. Sweaters

I’m not much of a fashionista myself, but I do love a good sweater! My biggest requirement for anything that I choose to adorn my body with is that it HAS to be comfortable. Sweaters fit the bill perfectly!

4. The aroma of everything fall

I love lighting scented candles in our home. I do it all year round. I’ve already busted out my favorite fall-scented candles because, well…..I can! I love the pumpkin and apple scented ones the best. To me, they represent everything warm and homely about Fall. What’s your favorite fall scent?

5. Family time is around the corner!

Nothing makes this simple mama happier than spending quality time with her little clan, doggies included. Last year our school district started giving students the entire week off for Thanksgiving, and I couldn’t be happier! That means more snuggle time, more game nights, and more lazing around the fireplace enjoying movie after movie after movie.

Christmas break is even better for me because it’s longer, and I get even more time with them. I can never get enough! I know too well how drastically things can and probably will change when the kids grow up and move away, so I’m desperately holding on to the present and squeezing every bit out of my time with them.

6. Time to decorate!

I’m not a crazy decorating lady by any means, and you won’t find me trolling the aisles at my local decor stores anymore because, frankly, that can get a little overwhelming and expensive. It was pretty spectacular to experience shopping during the holidays when I first moved to the US, but that feeling of excitement has long gone.

I’ve made my collection of decorations over the years, and I’m happy with it. Maybe in a few years, I may feel the urge to update it, but for the time being, I am content. Now I find more joy in the actual decorating than purchasing. Oh, did I forget to mention that my wallet is happy too?

7. Delicious pumpkin pie

I had my first slice of pumpkin pie just a few short years ago, even though I had experienced many Fall seasons before. It just wasn’t something that the people in my circles enjoyed or even talked about. I had no idea what I was missing! Just hearing the word PIE makes my mouth water; I don’t know why! Throw the word pumpkin in front of it, and I’m practically gushing from my mouth! Yum!

8. A time for renewal

As nature changes to beckon in the new season, we too can use this opportunity for renewal in our own lives. No doubt, these past two years have been challenging for most of us, and we could all do with some change. Some of us have experienced many things that we previously felt were far removed from our own lives, such as death, depression, and isolation.

This daunting reality has taken its toll, and as humans, we find ourselves seeking change, positivity, and pretty much anything that will make us feel anew. What better time to seek renewal than at the changing of seasons!

And there you have it!!

As I write this, I have countless thoughts swirling around in my head, and most of them have to do with my daughter. You see, this is her senior year, and whether I like it or not, things are about to change for our family in the coming months. I want more than ever to be in her company, but I feel like the forces that be are slowly moving in on our time together and sweeping her away. She is excited about the not-so-distant future and is slowly getting wrapped up in the necessary preparations for college.

As a mom, I am incredibly proud of her because it has been a rough few years for her. She has been struggling with depression and an anxiety disorder. My heart is already aching for my sweet girl, who is growing up way too fast.

My son has already been away at college for about a month now. I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas because I will have the opportunity to spoil him a little. After all, he’ll be right here with me. I can’t wait!

Please think of me this Fall as I wrangle with the changes in our lives and as I try to find peace and solace in my current situation. Happy Fall y’all!