Every year as August comes to a close there is a distinct energy surrounding the final four months on the calendar. Affectionately labeled the “-ber” months, there is a noticeable shift in spirit around the start of September. As the unofficial start of autumn, September 1st evokes a tipping point of what was (i.e. summer) and what could be (i.e. autumn). While we pine for summer all winter long, there is something truly distinct and tangible about the start of my favorite season – even the cooler weather is welcomed with open arms and cable knit sweaters. But what exactly is it about autumn that enraptures us so?
For me, many of my favorite activities, flavors, and traditions started when I was a kid. It’s that back to school feeling all over again. The start of the football season. Deciding what you want to be for Halloween. Eating chili at Grandma’s. Watching scary movies with friends. This is the nostalgia I’m chasing. I’m thrilled at the annual opportunity to immerse myself back into these moments of magic, wonder, connection, and comfort. To me, this is what celebrating the season is all about.
However, I haven’t always had such a deliberate mindset. For many years in my twenties I was trying my best to keep up with the Joneses. As my dear husband can attest, I bought new decor every year, created large displays only to share on Instagram, and rushed my way through the season so I could “keep up”. I felt like I never truly enjoyed my favorite season and couldn’t figure out why (in hindsight duh, but hey lessons are meant to learned). I thought I was doing everything right, but of course, I realized it was all for show, not for my personal joy and amusement.
Luckily I’ve come to realize that a big part of the nostalgia I long for is doing the same thing year after year. Decorating with the same handmade ghosts, making the same yummy recipes, reusing costumes in new, creative ways. None of this “buy completely new decor each year that you absolutely don’t need” nonsense that I was spoon-fed on social media. Thankfully, I eventually figured it out.
Now I long for the coziness and whimsy I experienced as a kid, not for some curated faux aesthetic. My focus is on conjuring the same feelings as I did way back when. Taking things slow, really savoring the fleeting sentimentality autumn has to offer. Keeping traditions alive and knowing there is no right way to do it. Reflecting on the past and adapting my favorite moments as a kid to meet me in the present moment – that’s how I plan to capture the nostalgic allure of autumn.
Should you need any new autumn traditions to consider, I’ve complied a list of my favorites below. Please share your favorites as well. May there never be a shortage of things to look forward to this season.
- Wearing hand-me-down or thrifted oversized fisherman sweaters.
- Hosting bonfires that require flannel blankets and creative s’mores ingredients.
- Turning on the TV only to find a Harry Potter movie marathon. Watching it all without hesitation.
- Discovering an estate sale in your neighborhood and you happen to have $5 on you.
- Reading with the window open, a cozy blanket, hot tea, and a seasonal candle. Rain welcome.
- Raking leaves into a big pile, hiding within, scaring someone (sorry, Mom!).
- Saving interesting leaves or petals and pressing them into books between wax paper.
- Black watch plaid everything.
- Lighting taper candles while watching Hocus Pocus.
- Getting messy with pumpkin carving and not giving a single hoot about it.
- Going on walks without headphones to hear the leaves crunch beneath your boots.
- Using Grandma’s afghan on a sick day. She had a special “sick blanket” that only came out when my sister or I were ill. I now have that blanket and it makes me smile even when I’m feeling crummy.
- Hosting game nights and euchre tournaments with friends.
- Figuring out DIY Halloween costumes last minute and using pillowcases for trick-or-treating (probably more for the kids, but honestly, adults deserve candy too).
- Cooking Grandma’s chili recipe every Halloween.
- Making my own Halloween decor that I get to use year after year.
- Baking pumpkin donuts with my husband and definitely adding sprinkles.
- Blasting the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack and dancing it out.
- TP-ing my parents house on Devil’s night. My mom started this tradition, she may now regret it.
- Wearing penny loafers, complete with lucky pennies.
- Planting spring bulbs and getting excited about your magical spring garden.
- Shopping for school supplies (yes, a new planner or pretty pens for work count).
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