When the air starts to feel less heavy, and the leaves begin to fall. Autumn has officially set in. For me, I always start to feel super nostalgic during this time. Reminded of similar times, times of decorating my house for Halloween, the smell of cinnamon, the stinging of my fingers as I would dig pumpkin seeds out the gourd. I find it hard to get those same warm and fuzzy feelings of fall back at school when I am held hostage by zoom courses from my off campus apartment. No need to fear; I have found five ways to make you feel like a kid again this Halloween season.
Growing up in the peak of the 2000s, my favorite part of Halloween was the Disney’s Channel Line up. It was hit and after hit. My favorite was a tale of two witches separated at birth. Only the power can save the world. Yes, Twitches starring Tia and Tamara Mowry, was a movie I was excited to watch each year. Of course, it was always a fight between my siblings between that and the always classic film. Halloweentown. You can watch all of these classics on Disney+. However, if movies aren’t your thing, I still enjoy the feeling of watching fall-inspired YouTube videos. Come’ on 2014 was the prime of fall vibes; we all watched them.
Nothing beats the smells of fresh baked goods and makes me feel nostalgic; try baking something simple. I’m not gonna tell you guys to make some fantastic but impossible fall treats when I just burned a pop tart the other day. But, I would definitely recommend going to target and picking up some Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip cookie dough, or my favorite, the Pillsbury pumpkin cookies. Pro Tip: check online to see if they have the first, for you will spend your night running around Eugene looking for the cookies like my roommates and me.
Something I dearly miss about not being at home during this time of year is going to pumpkins patches, picking out the perfect one, and then carving it. So last year, I decided to give myself and friends that feeling. We went to Trader Joe’s, picked out the most beautiful pumpkins, and carved them all together. Add a little wine and toast the pumpkin seeds. You got yourself a new tradition that still feels like the peak of fall.
I hate scary movies, but I love the idea of getting freaked out by something supernatural. Make an Oujia board. While most likely fake, Halloween’s haunted spirits surround the board, creating a spooky vibe just in time for the holiday. All you have to get an old amazon box and a sharpie and start the ghost’s journey.
Finally, if you do not feel any of my suggested nostalgic vibes, do what makes you happy and treat yourself to a classic fall drink. Grab your Ugg’s and flared yoga pants and get that Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Ring in the fall your way.