The sweet smell of apple crisp, the change from green to orange leaves, the release of pumpkin spice lattes…fall is filled with novelty, nostalgia, and joy. However, here in Texas, temperatures stay above 90 degrees, and Texas State Students are still having river days. This makes it extremely hard to get in the fall mindset and truly find gratitude for the transformative months of September, October, and November.
In The Blink of An Eye
Now, some of you may be wondering why it’s so important to embrace the fall season.
In the midst of change from a carefree summer to a busy fall, seasonal depression may sneak up on one. Or at least I know it does for me. New classes, new apartment, new schedule; if we don’t look for the positive parts of this fresh routine, we miss out on all the blessings the fall semester brings to us. Especially from the perspective of a Junior, I feel as if I have to take advantage of my last few years here.
I was looking at my Google Calendar the other day and realized I was gonna have to send out a “please schedule 2-3 weeks in advance for hangouts” text to my friends. Overwhelmed by the fact that all I’ve been focused on was coursework, I decided I could have a small break. I made a Fall Bucketlist on Canva. A promise to myself that I will make time for myself, my friends, and enjoy this season no matter how busy I get.
That’s also what inspired me to write this article.
So How Do We Even Go About This?
Well, lucky for you, in addition to my bucket list, I’ve created a few strategies and ideas for you!
- Create or listen to a fall playlist
I love the premade ones on YouTube. Like this one!
- Pin those fall recipes
Using ingredients like pumpkin, squash, apples, and cinnamon brings a little comfort to my days. Whether I’m making a simmer pot, cooking up some pumpkin pasta, or adding cinnamon to my matcha, I feel one with the autumn mood.
- Decorate your space!
It doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Just a little something to celebrate the fact that we get to bask in the beauty of change. There are really cute and cheap decor options at Dollar Tree–or you can even craft your own!
- Make the most of seasonal celebrations
This time of year is full of festivals and events in the community. For example, go to a football game, fall festival, farmers market (score those seasonal favorites), or even check out something on campus. This semester I have a TXST Día de los Muertos event I’m looking forward to attending again!
- Switch up your scent.
A huge part of my childhood was the Bath & Body Works candles my grandma always had lit in October. Now I go on my own to grab something with sugar and spice. I also whip out my warm vanilla-scented perfume in exchange for my typical rose scent.
- Start planning for Halloween!
One of the best parts of this season is dressing up! Usually I procrastinate on my costume; however, creating a Pinterest board or just considering different ideas builds up the anticipation for October 31.
- Turn on those fall classics
Last fall, I started watching “Sex and the City,” so when I realized I needed a new show after “Love Island,” I quickly went back to my roots. Some of my other favorite fall movies are: “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Coraline, ” ” Tinker Bell,” and “The Love Witch.”
- Pick up a cozy hobby
Something so beautiful about the fall season is that it is the perfect time to blossom into a new hobby. For example, arranging bouquets with seasonal flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. Or maybe you’re more into crocheting; in that case, you can start crocheting a beanie or book covers (necessities for all!)
Check! And Check!
After getting in the mood for fall, you are officially ready for the fall bucket list. Here is my ultimate plan for an unforgettable fall.
- Go to the pumpkin patch (I missed it last year!)
- Visit a haunted house (I tried my first one ever last season and am HOOKED)
- Make a fall craft (I was thinking maybe a felt garland?)
- Have a dinner party or movie night (Last year I did one for “Coraline”; it was a hit!)
- Drive-in movie (Perhaps I’ll see the new “Practical Magic” Movie)
- Gift a boo basket (I love surprises hehe)
- Fall nails (I have my own gel kit, maybe some little ghosts?)
- Trader Joe’s run (They have new products out! My favorite has to be the pumpkin brioche bread omg)
- Carve or paint pumpkins (Carving is always nostalgic but SO messy…maybe I’ll stick with painting)
- Watch Thanksgiving Day parade (A staple)
- Bake apple pie (My favorite!)
I hope this article gave you some inspiration as well as ideas for making the most out of your fall. By making yourself the main character this fall and romanticizing the changing season, positivity, gratitude, and excitement will undoubtedly follow. Good luck and happy fall!