      Cozy sweaters, the scent of warm spice penetrating the senses as you sip a warm mug of cider or hot chocolate curled up under a fuzzy blanket or boots as you crunch through the fallen gold and copper leaves as a brisk cold wraps around you, that is fall. Autumn is one of the most wonderful times of the year despite what the Christmas songs have to say about it. However; without the pumpkin patch and haunted houses or hayrides what’s a gal to do during the pandemic? Well, don’t fret, I’ll help you come up with a list of things to do to fully embrace the fall season while staying safe.
           Friends are a great way to enjoy the spirit of the fall. Now some of the things I mentioned above are still doable during the time of COVID but let’s start with alternatives that don’t involve leaving the warmth of your home!
           Virtual Pumpkin Painting/craving:
           Gather a group of friends and a small patch of tiny pumpkins, some paints, and get to it. Set up a Zoom call so you can see each other’s creepy or cute designs while being able to laugh and talk as if you were all in the same room. Just make sure you all have a steady WIFI connection!
           Virtual Movie Night:
           Pick out a fall rom-com like a classic Hallmark movie—you know girl moves to a small town because of her high paced city job and falls for the town’s cute innkeeper, or a spooky movie, just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean the spooky season is. Just make sure you all have a Netflix account and download the Netflix party browser extension.
           Pumpkin Patch Date:
           Now, I know I said no pumpkin patches, but they are outside and are much easier to social distance at. Make sure you and everyone in your group are wearing a mask though and at least one person has hand sanitizer for the group.
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           If you want something a bit more solitary, try some of these next ones.
           A Walk through the Woods:
           Take a hike. Literally, like go out to a wooded hiking trail and take a scenic walk. It doesn’t have to be intense just a leisurely stroll, but the workout is always a plus. It’ll be nice to see the leaves begin to change—even though fall isn’t true fall here in Texas.
           Read a Good book:
           Grab your fuzziest blanket and brew a cup of hot cider or chocolate to pour into your favorite mug and settle on a place to read. I personally love outside on my balcony or under a nice shaded tree but in your bed or a chair by the window would do just fine. Now, for the book! There are loads of great reads with stories that take place in the fall but some of the best ones in my opinion are old YA paranormal books like Vampire Academy, Evernight, House of Night or the Hush Hush series, or any series that took place in a school for “outcasts” meaning vampires more than likely but pick a book you think you’ll love.
           Whatever activity you decided to pick off this list, just have a good time. The fall season is meant to be enjoyed, so enjoy it. Take advantage of the nice weather that comes between summer and winter. Go outside, but don’t go to crowded areas because your safety and the safety of others during this time is important. Don’t be selfish.
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