For many people, fall is a magical time, the air is crisp, the smell of apples, pumpkin and cinnamon fill the air and the leaves crunch under your feet. As the days grow cooler and the leaves begin to change, fall is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the simple things with family and friends. If you are looking for ways to celebrate the cozy nights and outdoor beauty, these tips can help you and your family make the best of autumn.
One way to celebrate fall is to bring the outdoors inside. Decorating your house for fall does not need to be expensive. Gather pinecones, pumpkins and colorful leaves to make a centerpiece or wreath. Change the bright colors of summer to earth tones like burnt orange, golden yellow and deep red. Put a soft flannel blanket on your sofa or recliner and add scented candles with smells of apple pie and pumpkin spice.
As the weather turns colder, people start thinking of comfort foods like soups and stews. Simmer a pot of chili or butternut squash soup. Bring the children into the kitchen to make pumpkin bread, apple crisp or caramel popcorn. One fun activity is to do a “fall tasting” where everyone makes a favorite seasonal dish to share. Add some hot chocolate or hot apple cider and a bonfire to complete the evening.
As the weather turns colder, people start thinking of comfort foods like soups and stews. Simmer a pot of chili or butternut squash soup. Bring the children into the kitchen to make pumpkin bread, apple crisp or caramel popcorn. One fun activity is to do a “fall tasting” where everyone makes a favorite seasonal dish to share. Add some hot chocolate or hot apple cider and a bonfire to complete the evening.
The sun goes down earlier in the fall, and this could be a great way to start family time after dinner. Curl up under warm blankets to watch classic fall movies like “Hocus Pocus” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Create a build-your-own snack mix bar with popcorn, candy corn, pretzels, nuts and other items.
Engage the kids in crafts related to fall. Leaf rubbings and pumpkin painting are a great way to encourage even very young children to express their imagination. Make gratitude trees where everyone write something they are thankful for on a paper leaf to place on a small branch. Try your hand at making homemade candles or autumn-scented potpourri. Once the crafts are done, you will have some cute autumn décor for your house.
One of the best things about fall is it is a time for reflection and gratitude. Consider volunteering as a family at a food bank, donate old coats before the cold of winter or bake treats to share with neighbors or first responders. These acts of kindness are a great way to teach children the spirit of giving.
Be sure to take plenty of photos of your fun fall activities. Let the children put together a scrapbook so you can enjoy those memories for many years to come.
Whether you enjoy baking together, bundling up for a walk through the changing woods or sitting next to a bonfire with hot chocolate, fall is about comfort and family connections. Grab your favorite sweater, pull out the warm blankets and make this fall one you will remember.
