Why I Love Autumn and Ways to Enjoy it

Noticing those small seasonal changes towards autumn always gives me a childlike excitement. I await the chill mornings, falling golden leaves and cosy sweater weather with eager anticipation, searching for subtle shifts in the weather during August while many others are clinging onto the fringes of summer. My mum always hopes for a late Indian summer, while me, I’m decking my house in pumpkins and wool blankets before we even get to September 1st. I will devotedly invite the new season in with welcome arms because when it gently arrives.. it feels like a loving hug from home.

There’s just something about the colour palette of the ‘ber’ months that gives me so much joy. Trees ablaze with vibrant crimson and golden tones, bright orange pumpkins in hundreds across the farmers fields with their edges lit in October sunshine. And the weather, cooler but comfortable, creating so many opportunities for coziness. You can rest on a park bench cradling a chai latte in hand, admiring the crisp fallen leaves as they dance over the grass in blustering winds. Mornings are fresh and chilly with fields descending into deep mist, a milky sun and distant trees attempt to peek through the dewy veil. And we can’t forget the clothing.. warm cable knit cardigans and trusty tan leather boots, scarves, knit vests, our comforting friends we pull out of storage once this season begins.

Summer is great don’t get me wrong, great for days out, beach trips, strawberry picking, but often the heat feels stifling, restrictive. When you’re feeling hot, you can only take off so many layers, and if it’s too hot outside then you can’t even enjoy the outdoors .. you’re stuck inside, desperately sat in-front of the fan, sweating, with an iced beverage. Plus, I get sunburnt easily being a natural blue eyed red-head, I just don’t think I’m made for the hot season!

But Autumn, despite people’s often negative opinions, ‘too dreary, wet, not enough sun..’ I think is a beautiful time of year. Autumn, be it sometimes a little more cloudy and mysterious, is the season of cuddling up to watch scary movies, murder mysteries, it’s for academia and studying, reading, comfort foods and baking. It’s time for woodland wanderings, harvesting, steamy teas and lattes and writing by candle light.

It’s the season of mesmerising beauty in the landscape, a time that reminds us that change isn’t to be feared but something essential, change is cyclic, a deep rooted part of nature and without change we cease to grow stronger and better. I love embracing the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of autumn as I start to slow down, rest and enjoy family gatherings as we prepare for the winter ahead.

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There’s so much you can do to get immersed and really connect with the ‘feeling’ of autumn! Here’s a few ideas:

Take a road trip to a local historic city, explore medieval architecture, take some atmospheric photos and discover the mysteries and the history of the area. Pack a seasonal picnic with a flask of pumpkin soup, some cinnamon buns  and apples and find a beautiful spot be it a local park or nature reserve. Or, pick a large local cemetery as a slightly spooky destination instead, being respectful of course and using autumn as a time to reflect. Have a ‘book date’ with a friend, dress in your favourite autumn sweater, accessorised with a studious leather satchel. Do the rounds of the local book shops, searching for a good cosy mystery, then land in a cute coffee shop where you can order a pumpkin spice latte!

You could have a thrifting day, scouring local second hand shops for autumnal knitwear or seasonal home decor. Maybe listen to an autumnal audiobook as you shop, and finish the day with some baking, creating some leaf shaped biscuits in gingerbread or a sweet blackberry apple pie! And let’s not forget pumpkin picking! You haven’t truly experienced autumn without a trip to the farm and deliberating over the perfect pumpkin to take home from the patch. It feels like you’re in a field of happiness, there’s no other way to describe it, sometimes I even tear up.. honest truth.

^I made these gingerbread cookies a few years ago, the camel one was for my husband since he loves camels..

To most people a rainy autumn day may just be that, a wet nuisance, but when you work with it instead of against it, you’ve cracked the code and you find joy. A rainy September day would be the perfect setting for some atmospheric reading by the window, noticing the droplets trailing down over the glass. There’s something about rainy day reading that feels incredibly serene, we’re safe and sheltered indoors while the pattering drizzling sounds envelope our homes, like a white noise calming our senses. Later I could take my daughter out in her ladybug wellies and duck wetsuit, creating memories as she splashes around in muddy puddles. When she’s a little bigger I’d love to explore some autumn crafts, leaf printing, making garlands, sketching, collage, perfect for indoor rainy days. In the evening I’d find a film that mirrors the ambience of the weather, something a little dark and mysterious, maybe Misery (1990) or Shutter Island (2010). A more family film choice could be Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007).

These choices and activities may seem small, or unimpressive but I think that’s the point. I think finding real bliss and happiness in a season comes from living slowly in it and romanticising all the small things. Living a little whimsically, reconnecting with what gives us childlike joy, finding happiness in the mundane and simple activities. For you it may be snowy winters or adventurous summers that kindle excitement in your soul, but for me, it’s definitely precious autumn.

Peace be upon you,

An English Muslim Homemaker