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Falling for Fall
Celebrating Nature’s Most Colorful Season
Whether you’re a fan of it or not, it’s finally here in all its glory: fall! As we settle into the official start of the autumn season, it’s worth examining all the rich tastes, smells, sights and experiences that truly make this time of year glow. While department stores and chic ads are already working hard to rush us through this season to get to Christmas, instead slow down. In fact, stop. Stop and soak in all the wonderous beauty to come in the upcoming months. This newsletter, we provide specific guidance on how to do just that. So grab that PSL or cinnamon tea, light that candle, and read on for tips on how to stay in the moment and fall for fall.
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MONTHLY FEATURES
Book:
The Five Minute Journal
It’s been sold 2+ million times for a reason, and it deserves a place on your bedside table. The Five Minute Journal provides prompts to reflect on your day both in the morning and at night. It’s also undated, so that you fill it out on your terms. Consider this your sign to begin a mindfulness practice this season!
Product:
Fall scented candle
Never underestimate the power of a lit candle at the end of a long day as you cozy up at home.
Quote of the Month
Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.
– William Cullen Bryant
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Embracing the Beauty of Fall
Relish the simple pleasures that make this season so special
Another summer has come and gone, and here we are: officially in the season of fall. Some sigh with despair when they feel it approach, unwelcoming of its arrival; others sigh with pure bliss, thankful for the onset of a season that brings them an innate sense of warmth and joy. The battle between summer and fall lovers is arguably the most intense. Summer is sun, pools, lake houses, sundresses and vacations; fall is chilly mornings and nights, football, bonfires, plaid shackets and pumpkin patches. Each season has their own steadfast camp of devotees, each camp has their valid points, yet all can enjoy both seasons to the fullest.
If you’re not in the fall camp, consider the beauty of all that awaits in the upcoming weeks and explore the following delightful ways to celebrate.
Savor the Seasonal Flavors
Fall may be primarily dubbed as “pumpkin spice” season, yet there are a variety of rich, comforting flavors that are especially nostalgic around this time of year. Also consider caramel, apple cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The tastes of the season can elevate any meal or snack through both smell and taste. The ways in which you embrace them can even become traditions for you and your family. These can include:
- Bake Seasonal Treats: Try making pumpkin pies, apple tarts, apple cider and/or spiced cookies at home (or buy them at a store or farmer’s market, we won’t tell anyone). Involving friends or family in the process of enjoying these treats makes it even more enjoyable.
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- Visit a Local Farmers Market: Stock up on fresh produce like pumpkins, squash, apples and root vegetables. Use them in your cooking or as seasonal décor.
- Sip Hot Beverages: Curl up with a warm drink like spiced cider, seasonally spied tea or a pumpkin spice latte to warm you up on chilly autumn evenings.
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
Fall is arguably the most picturesque season, with brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow demanding that you pay attention. Whether you live in the city, suburbs or countryside, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature:
- Go Leaf Peeping: Plan a scenic drive or a walk through a nearby park to admire the changing leaves. Snap some pictures, but also be sure to put the phone away and admire the views lens-free.
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard: These quintessential fall outings provide both fun and fresh produce. Many places offer hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and even bounce houses, making them ideal for families of young kids. Don’t forget the apple cider donuts!
- Take a Hike: With cooler weather and fewer insects, fall is perfect for hiking. Choose a trail with plenty of trees to admire, and don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket for a post-hike picnic.
- Attend a Football Game: While there is plenty of natural beauty in the autumn season, there is also beauty in the camaraderie of sport. Take the family to a local football game, or your spouse or a friend to a pro game for a day or night out, and cheer for the sport that so many equate with this time of year.
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Boo-tiful Crafts
Some cute crafts to keep little ghouls busy!
Paper Plate Pumpkins
Use orange paint to color paper plates. Let your kids glue on googly eyes, cut-out black shapes for a jack-o’-lantern face, and top it off with curled green pipe cleaners for stems.
Handprint Spiders
Paint kids’ hands black (minus the thumbs) and press them on paper to make handprint spiders. When dry, add googly eyes and use white crayon or string to make a web.
Egg Carton Bats
Cut out sections of egg cartons, paint them black, and add googly eyes. Use black paper to make wings, and hang them with string for a spooky effect.
Popsicle Stick Haunted Houses
Use popsicle sticks to build a small house frame, then let your child decorate it with paint, stickers or Halloween-themed cut-outs.
Q-Tip Skeletons
Provide black paper and cut-out skulls from white paper. Kids can glue Q-tips onto the black paper to make skeleton bones, with the skull as the head.
Lollipop Ghosts
Wrap a tissue around a lollipop, tie it with a ribbon to secure, and have your child draw black circles for the eyes and mouth. These make great Halloween party treats!
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Get Creative with Seasonal Décor
There are plenty of fall-themed items to purchase at Target, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and the like, but consider saving your money and decorating using items just outside your door. This organic way of decorating is less wasteful and even more meaningful.
- Twig Bundles or Wreaths: Gather twigs and small branches to make rustic wreaths or simple bundles tied with twine or burlap ribbon. Hang them on doors or place them around the house as accents.
- Acorn Jars: Fill glass jars with acorns and display them on shelves or tables. You can also use them in candle holders, around the base of the candle for a fall-inspired touch.
- Pressed Leaf Art: Press colorful leaves that your children gather and frame them as wall art or display them on a table in glass frames. This adds a seasonal and personal touch that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Celebrate with Fall Festivals and Traditions
Autumn invites celebration, community and tradition with its many festivals and celebrations. Make the season memorable by partaking in these enjoyable fall events:
- Host a Harvest Party: Invite friends and family over for a casual outdoor gathering to celebrate the season. Serve seasonal foods like roasted vegetables, pies and hot cider while enjoying a bonfire and making s’mores.
- Attend a Local Festival: Many local communities host fall fairs, Oktoberfests and harvest festivals, offering live music, craft vendors and delicious food. It’s a great way to experience local culture and support small businesses.
- Celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving: Decorate your home for Halloween, carve jack-o-lanterns and go trick-or-treating! Later in the season, give thanks and enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with loved ones.
Practice Gratitude and Reflection
Fall is often seen as a time for reflection and gratitude, and is a reminder of the ever-changing cycle of life. Setting aside small moments to appreciate the beauty of the season and reflect on your own evolving journey can be a fulfilling way to celebrate autumn.
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down what you’re thankful for each day. Reflecting on the good things in your life can help foster a positive mindset and sense of peace.
- Unwind with a Nature Walk: Disconnect from technology and take a peaceful walk in nature. Notice the details of the changing season—the colors, sounds and smells—and allow yourself to slow down and be present.
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Content of this newsletter was written by:
Megan A. Miller, M.S., CCC-SLP
Please contact Megan with any questions or comments at: megan@ctctherapy.com
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