Autumn is a funny season. If I look at my Instagram feed it’s all cosy orange hues, indulgent hot chocolates and pumpkins. If I look out of the window more often than not it’s raining or dark and rather than being a range of pretty colours the leaves on the trees just look dead. I never really used to notice the autumn. It just used to be the gap between the August bank holiday and the countdown to Christmas which seemed to disappear quickly. However, as I tend to lose August and September in a blur of work I now take a bit more notice and I’m trying to be more positive about the season.
One of the things that I’ve been able to embrace more this year is the changing of the seasons. Watching the blossoms come out in spring and the new buds turning into lush green leaves made me smile when it felt like the world was turning mad. I was dreading autumn and winter, thinking the long dark nights would just feel longer and colder while the world is not yet normal and threatening to get worse again. But actually so much of this year could have been wasted through worry or feeling restricted there’s not much point in starting now.
When September first started it seemed to instantly get colder, the leaves were brown and there were conkers on the ground. It all seemed too soon but then the weather picked up again and I could pretend it was summer for a while longer. When I saw Malteser reindeer for sale a few weeks ago as I did our weekly grocery shop I felt very indignant. Christmas is still ages away and I’m not willing to just wave away the time in between then and now.
I’ve decided that this year I will try and embrace autumn fully and here is why:
- There’s no point wishing the year over when in reality it barely began.
- A sunny autumn day is perfect for going for a long walk. You don’t need to worry about heatstroke or sunburn like in the summer.
- You don’t have to feel guilty about snuggling down and watching a film in the evening (which I always do in the summer months when it’s light outside).
- I really like autumn flavours (I’ll be honest – I’m not sure if they are autumn flavours but it’s how I think of them). Butternut squash, ginger, red lentils, pork and apple sausages – I’m ready.
- Sticking with the food theme, you can start to embrace things like sticky toffee pudding which is just a bit heavy for the summer.
- The trees that do change colour can look beautiful. I loved visiting Westonbirt Arboretum last year and hope another visit will be on the cards this year.
- I bought a dress a few years ago that I love wearing and it’s the perfect time of year to wear it as it has orange and yellow patterns.
- I don’t really drink hot drinks, but I’m very partial to a chai latte and autumn is the best time of year for it.
- I’ve really enjoyed making jam this year and so this season feels like a good time to get to grips with making chutney too.
- Working from home for a while longer means not having to worry about commuting in the rain or the dark.
- When else can you get messy pumpkin carving?!
- Autumn can be a really good time to go away. One of my favourite autumnal breaks was to Bakewell in the Peak District a few years ago. Going away might not be top of my priority list currently but it’s got me thinking about potential future autumn breaks.
- Although when I first started running I hated going out in the dark or when it was cold, the temperatures in Autumn are much more bearable for running in than over the summer.
- I can stock up on conkers to keep the spiders away for the rest of the year.
- Fireworks!
- The darker nights mean we’re getting into fairy light season, and I definitely intend on having them around the flat this year.
- Autumn mornings can have some lovely lighting for photos.
- I actually have some plans for what feels like the first time in months.
- August to December usually goes by in the blink of an eye because I’m so busy with work but I’m hoping there will be a bit more breathing space this year.
- Although I’ll soon be moaning about the cold it’s a novelty to get my favourite snuggly jumpers and cardis out of the wardrobe.
Not ready to embrace the new season? Here are some of my top tips:
- Write out a list of seasonal recipes to try and commit to doing a new one each week
- Invest in some fairy lights or candles to give your room a warm glow in the evening
- Stock up on your favourite warm drink for when it gets colder
- Bring your blankets and jumpers out of storage so you’re prepared for when the weather turns
- Try out some autumnal walks in your local area – ideally somewhere that the trees are changing colour or you can collect conkers
What are your favourite things about Autumn?
