Let’s face it, we are all a little bummed that summer is over. As the school year begins we reluctantly trade in our swimsuits and beach towels for school clothes and textbooks. The coming of fall brings us back to school, and into cooler clothing. Here in Hawaiʻi autumn brings warmer weather, and so far the heat hasn’t been too forgiving.
As I sit as my desk, uncomfortably hot and buried in homework, I try to think of all the things I love about fall. I soon find that it’s not very hard. Along with the fall comes holidays, family time, good eats and so much more. The thought of eating pumpkin pie almost makes the heat and schoolwork bearable. Join me for this weeks top 10 reasons to love fall.
10. The return of fall TV shows
I learned early on that as a college student, I rarely have time to sit and watch TV. But there are definitely some shows out there that demand my attention. My calendar is marked for October the 13th, the scheduled date for the season premiere of “The Walking Dead.” Other shows to keep an eye out for this fall is “The Big Bang Theory” and “American Horror Story.”
9. Pumpkins
cc: Kam’s World
Pumpkins could be the sole reason to love fall. The theme of the season is dominated by these gourds. As fall rolls around the corner pumpkins begin to take over the scene. Pumpkin products everywhere! From scented candles to flavored goods, our senses are bombarded by its scent and taste. But, I’m not complaining, I love the warm sweet smell of pumpkin.
Another joy pumpkins bring are pumpkin patches. There is no better joy than to scour the fields for the perfect pumpkin. To finally find the one that was especially meant for you.
8. Fall fashion
Even though it’s too hot for UGG boots and gloves, we can still show off some fall chic. This is the time of year we start to put away our neon summer clothes, and put on some reds, oranges and browns. Autumn is the season of ankle boots, light beanies, cardigans, and earthy hues!
7. Comfort food
I find that the heat of the summer represses my appetite. I eat less and drink more water. But when the rain starts to fall mid-September, my stomach acts as if I was a bear coming out of hibernation. Cookies, banana bread, pie, chili and all the hearty comfort foods start to take over my fridge. Even worse, my holiday pants come out of the closet. These are the pants that have a little extra room, for the days that I just can’t help myself. When I am around comfort food there is no chance of self control.
Photo: BigStockPhoto.com
6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is iconic world wide. I love watching the giant floats and confetti fill the streets of New York.
5. The approach of Christmas
As we get further into the fall the holiday atmosphere is hard to ignore. Christmas advertisement begins as early as mid-November, and that is about the time that I start getting excited about the upcoming holidays. Decorations start to pop up, and I excitedly begin to brainstorm gift ideas. Late fall means I am only weeks away from flying home and seeing my family.
4. Halloween
The best thing about Halloween is that there is something about this holiday for everyone to enjoy. Trick-or-treating, haunted houses, candy and costumes. This holiday is about fun. We all know as students we need a reason to cut loose mid-semester and just enjoy the fact that we are young.
3. Return of football season
Although I am not a die-hard fan, I cannot deny that the return of the football season is something to look forward too. Tailgates, barbecues, hot dogs, camaraderie with fellow fans, these are irreplaceable events and moments that only football can bring about.
2. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a holiday that surrounds my two greatest loves, family and food. It is only on this special day do I get to gorge on some of the yummiest foods. Yams, stuffing, pie, turkey, potatoes and green bean casseroles, must I say more?
1. Seasonal food and drinks
And finally, my favorite thing about the season, the return of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Starbucks. Nothing tastes better on the tongue than that warm sweet spiced pumpkin flavor. But it doesn’t stop there. The return of the fall means the return of seasonal dark ales, gingerbread cookies and apple pies. At the end of autumn there is nothing more sad than the realization that these food are beginning to disappear of store shelves. But until then, I will happily indulge on these delectable fall treats!