It’s officially that time of year again! Fall is in the air. It may be getting colder and schoolwork might be starting up again but, as autumn’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing times of year, it’s also our duty to enjoy this season to its fullest. I have compiled a list of some of my fall must-dos. While due dates might feel like they’re taking over your life, I’m here to remind you that they don’t have to and, in fact, these are some better time sensitive activities to lighten up your life during these months.
Have autumnal fun with friends
My first recipe for success in this endeavour takes place in the kitchen. A cookie design competition is a must for the fall season. Include your favorite fall shapes like ghosts, fall leaves, witch hats, or (if you have the artistic cooking ability) even spiders. And if you don’t want to go the sugar cookie method, a simple snickerdoodle bake-off will do the job. Next up, if cooking is not your thing, it’s time to find your local pumpkin patch. I know this might feel a little basic, but it’s worth it for the cozy fall feelings this is bound to bring. Enjoy quality time with your friends and if, while you are frolicking you happen upon a perfect pumpkin, take it home for a post-pumpkin-patch carving session. Bring out your prettiest candles, red wine, and tell your friends to cook their fall favorites for a delicious potluck dinner. Americans, we might celebrate this as a kind of friendsgiving with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, but I’ll leave your potluck open to your own dietary desires.
Enjoy festive fall foods
One of my favorite categories on this list. Begin with one of the most important things on this list: apples. OK. I know that might be controversial but hear me out. Apples smack year-round, but particularly in the fall when they are in season. They’re like heaven. Also, let’s not forget the versatility of apples. My personal favourite is cut up in oatmeal (add a little cinnamon too), but you can also eat apples plain (cue that satisfying crunch), covered in caramel, or even cooked on the stove with a little butter, cinnamon, and whatever other ingredients you’re in the mood for. You’re essentially eating apple pie filling (another great fall treat!). However, in the competition of pie flavours, I think our next autumn ingredient takes the cake. Pumpkin pie is my all-time favourite food to eat in fall. It doesn’t just end there, though. Whether it’s salty pumpkin seeds or a mouth-watering pumpkin loaf, there are so many fun pumpkin flavoured foods you can make. Try them out and find a good hiding spot for the finished product. You don’t want hungry flatmates to finish it off before you can enjoy it yourself!
Sip coffee, cider and chai
As I’m sure Starbucks can attest, it is not fall without a little pumpkin spice. A pumpkin spice latte is always a classic, but if you’re not a coffee fan, you could always try a little pumpkin spice with your chai latte. And, if you’re not willing to spend £5 daily on a drink, get a pumpkin spice flavor on Amazon to add to your morning beverage of choice. My next addition to the list is cider, another fall classic. Enjoy either the American version of a delicious, non-alcoholic apple juice, or go down the British route of finding your favorite local pub to settle down with some friends and a Thistly Cross.
Curl up with your favourite autumnal movie
I’d like to start my movie list off strong with Fantastic Mr. Fox. You cannot watch this Wes Anderson film without feeling the spirit of the season. If you are more of a rom-com lover, I would recommend When Harry Met Sally or 10 Things I Hate About You. Although their plots take up all seasons, they just give an inexplicable fall vibe. Feeling nostalgic? Some of my childhood favorites are It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and any Harry Potter movie – but especially Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for the spooky vibes. If Disney is more your scene, you’ve got to go for Coco, Monsters University, or Beauty and the Beast. My next pick you cannot leave the Halloween season without viewing at least once: Halloweentown. Finally, if you need a little mystery, you have got to go with the classic Clue. Maybe end your cookie-baking competition with one of these autumn favorites!
Binge watch TV shows
This first one might be self-explanatory because it feels as if everyone is watching right now, but if any show gives fall, it’s Gilmore Girls. However, to give some more options, if you are looking for those spooky fall vibes, go with the drama of Pretty Little Liars or Vampire Diaries. More into sit-coms? My top two with some great back-to-school vibes are grown-ish and Abbott Elementary. If you are a pre-existing Friends or New Girl fan, there is a plethora of episodes with Halloween and Thanksgiving scenes that can only be watched during this special time of year.
So, that’s it, light your favourite fall candle, play the song Monster Mash, grab your warm beverage of choice, text your friends to figure out your Halloween costume right now, and be sure to enjoy all the lovely activities this season has to offer!