So, as it is now October, I think it is acceptable for me to write an Autumn appreciation post. I can’t ever decide which season is the best (I have been told I just like whichever one we are in at the moment) but right now I could not love Fall any more. And it’s not just because of the pumpkins (although they do make it even better!)

Things I love about Fall; I love it as the weather starts to cool down. The crisp air which means you can start to wrap up, and eventually get the scarves and hats out. I love wearing jeans and jumpers (that would be sweaters to you Americans reading) and boots. I love that I can layer up and live in hoodies. I love seeing the leaves change color and fall off the trees. I love all the ‘Autumn’ colors; the deep greens and browns and oranges and reds. It’s as if nature has been saving itself for a grand finale and everything looks beautiful. I love acorns and finding conkers, and roasted chestnuts. I love all the seasonal tastes. Cinnamon and everything pumpkin-flavoured (oh come on I had to mention it)! I love going out for evening walks and coming back with flushed cheeks and being able to snuggle up with hot chocolate. I love everyone getting excited about Halloween, and fireworks night, then about Thanksgiving and finally all the Christmas hype. And I love how all these holidays bring time with family and friends.  I love warm fires, whether it’s a bonfire outside toasting marshmallows or a little fireplace which you sit by and watch a movie. I love all the comforting food; seasonal fruit and veg, stews and casserole, donuts, salted caramel, apple pie, caramel apples and s’mores. And I love the fact you can enjoy that food without having to worry about baring the bikini body because you’ll be wearing all the chunky knitwear. I love when it starts to get dark earlier and there are fairy lights in trees and on houses. I love fireworks and sparklers on November 5th, and on other days too! I love lighting candles which make the room smell of cinnamon, leaves, cedar or apple spice. I love the noise of walking on leaves when they crunch and jumping in piles of leaves after they have been raked. I love pumpkin carving and seeing the spooky faces glowing from people’s windows or doorsteps. I love the smell when it has just rained and the glow off the pavement from the street lights. I love waking up in the middle of the night hearing thunder and rain when you’re all cosy in bed. I love being able to bring a hot water bottle to bed and climb in under two duvets. I love that we get an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back. I love that bubble baths are justified (sometimes even candlelit ones). I love that fun fairs and markets are open. I love that football season starts again, whether I’m playing, watching or coaching, the atmosphere is amazing.

So whether you love summer and feel sad when the evenings start getting shorter and the weather colder, or you are already in love with autumn and are just as excited as me, just remember all the beautiful things that this time of year has to offer…

“Autumn. The year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant