I Really Do Love Autumn...And Here's Why

Autumn. Fall. September, October, November. No matter the name, the most glorious time of the year has arrived. And I am happy. I absolutely love fall. I say that often. Here, in no specific order, are some of the reasons why I wait all year for these fleeting autumn days.

Autumn days are glorious.

I love that the sun still shines, but is tempered by a nip of cool, crisp air that makes it feel just right.

We can be outside without being hot. Or cold.

And nature provides us with the most amazing backdrop for our late morning walks.

The leaves. Just that. I have always loved watching the slow, subtle transformation of the leaves on the trees from green to multiple shades of vibrant color. I remember being in high school during last period on any given October afternoon. Our high school sat in a valley surrounded by mountains, and as the band practiced and my fellow majorettes and I marched and twirled, I took in the beauty of the amazing colors surrounding us. I still remember that. And now, thirty years later, I enjoy it from my own front porch.

Eventually, the colors fade, and the leaves fall.

But they still have much to offer.

I remember the unmistakeable smell and the sound of the crunchy leaves on the sidewalk during late October evenings. One of my favorite memories for sure.

Pumpkins and cornstalks and mums on my porch.

Some people find joy in bright summer flowers.

Me? I'll take these things anytime.

They just say comfort.

And cozy.

Fall.

Candles.

Fall candles.

Specifically...Yankee Candle's Pumpkin Spice Candle burning in our home.

That is our favorite scent of all.

My children tell me that is the smell of home.

And that makes me so happy.

I love autumn evenings.

As much as those long summer nights bring fun outside, I find comfort in the shorter days of fall that give way to the cozy, longer, darker evenings. I love the time after dinner. I light a candle in the family room, tidy the toys and books from the day, fluff the cushions, get out the throw blankets, and prepare for our evening together as a family.

Autumn is a fresh, new start.

It is back to school, sharp crayons, new books, pumpkin lattes, apple pie, afternoons at the park, colored leaves, burning candles, cozy blankets, and long nights.

How do you feel about fall, my friends?

What is your favorite thing about this beautiful time of year?