Why We Need the Spirit of Fall Now More Than Ever

I won’t be the first (or probably the last) to admit that the world has been looking pretty bleak as of late. It feels like all of the things we’ve been dreading are in full swing: midterms, presidential debates, and the looming election, and rises in COVID-19 cases. To top it off, pessimists everywhere are claiming that fall is overhyped and that getting excited about it is basic.

Just when there was this one thing, this one season, to fill us with serotonin—however fleeting it may be—there are pessimists writing it off as “basic,” implying that anyone who gets excited about fun fall festivities is as well. In one simple statement, critics are degrading the seasonal excitement and invalidating the joy of apple picking, pumpkin carving, corn maze adventuring, and pumpkin-spice-latte drinking. 

Well, I think it’s nonsense. Society has a tendency to write off events or items that many women enjoy, titling them as “basic.” In this upside-down pandemic world that we are living in, it is important now more than ever to not let this stop you from finding happiness enjoying the season from September to November. Especially if it is that same seasonal excitement that is the only thing keeping you sane right now. 

Last weekend, I went home to New Hampshire to spend time with my family. I didn’t know how much I needed it until I was there, soaking in the cool air carried down by the breeze in the ever-changing trees, turning red and golden and brown all in one blink. I have always loved New Hampshire fall in a way that autumn in Boston can’t quite live up to; just the feeling of crumbling, crinkly leaves under my boots, and the abundance of corn-maze-having-farms in the rearview mirror were all I needed. The pumpkin on my front porch step that my mom had bought from the farm nearby and the glowing orange lights dangling from the mantle seemingly had healing powers. 

It was everything, I realized as I was watching Return to Halloweentown on the couch with my brother, having just binged the first three installments. The idea that this time of year carries special magic is a nice one. Regardless of what the world brings us, the magic of the fall and the upcoming holidays is enough to keep us going throughout the rest of the year. 

Do not give up this magic just to appease the pessimistic masses! Fall only comes once a year; enjoy it while it lasts. I urge you to treat yourself to a nice cup of apple cider and wear your favorite sweater weather outfits.

After everything that 2020 has brought us this year, we all deserve to bask in this season more than ever.

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• fall
• festive
• fun
• halloween
• holidays
• Leaves
• new england
• sweater weather