People always ask, “What is your favorite season?” It is a popular question on get to know you sheets or asked when meeting someone new.
My answer to that question has shifted throughout the years. In elementary school, it was spring because that is when my birthday is. In junior high, it was summer because it meant a break from school. As I’ve gotten older though, I’ve realized that the best season of all is fall. It is superior in a variety of ways including temperature, atmosphere and food.
This is what makes fall the best season.
Leaves
The colors of fall are vibrant. The leaves change to reds, oranges and yellows; their colors make for a magical fall environment as leaves fall on the streets and houses around them.
As you walk down the street, leaves crunch underfoot. They decorate the sidewalk, scattered haphazardly on the path. That familiar crunch follows you as you step outside during the season.
As kids, we would rake the leaves into a giant pile. Then, one by one, we would jump in, laughing, as the leaves fluttered around us. We would then need to rake it all again, but the fun of jumping in was worth it.
Beverages and foods
Every year around the fall season, my family makes homemade donuts. Nothing beats a warm donut on a crisp fall day and my family laughing as we make them. This tradition has been passed down from my grandparents on both sides. We invite family and friends over on Halloween to enjoy them with us.
Pie is a fall dessert as well with pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and more. This dessert is especially enjoyed around Thanksgiving. The dessert table is filled with pies of all types, shapes and sizes every year on the holiday.
Since it is cold outside, fall brings warm drinks to warm up people from the inside out. The best way to start a cold fall day is with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Hot apple cider is another fall favorite drink with a cinnamon-apple combination that is the taste of fall. It is a drink that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Temperature
Summer, especially in St. George, can be overwhelming. The weather at 100 degrees for a prolonged period of time is tiring. So, when fall comes, it is a relief. The air turns crisp and breezy and temperatures average from 53-79 degrees.
The chill in the air means the dusty sweaters sitting in the back of the closet can be taken out and worn at last. Hoodies, boots, sweaters and scarves are all cozy fall essentials.
Fireplaces start being lit or turned on. A warm blanket, fuzzy socks and a movie by the fireplace is a perfect fall night indoors.
Atmosphere
Fall brings people together through the holidays present during the season. There is a Halloween spooky season filled with costumes, treats and traditions. Then there is Thanksgiving, a time of thankfulness and family.
Time seems to slow down during the fall months. The earth is preparing for winter as people soak up the remainder of quiet before the bustle of Christmas comes in. The overall atmosphere of fall brings cozy vibes to contrast the high-energy summers. It becomes less about rushing from one place to the next and more about savoring the time spent with family and friends; it is a time to focus on what is most important.
Activities and media
October brings a yearly spooky rush of media. Haunted houses open up and horror movie streaming and releases spike. October media is also about the fun monsters such as vampires, werewolves, ghosts and skeletons that we’ve drawn pictures of since we were little. There are certain movies that can only be watched during the fall season. Nightmare Before Christmas is my personal favorite. I love the way the characters were designed, and the soundtrack is well-made. The storyline of Jack rediscovering his identity and making many mistakes doing so is entertaining and inspiring.
During November, people flood social media with things they are grateful for. Social media becomes more wholesome for a while as there is a short break from the negativity.
We discuss Pilgrims, Native Americans and the first Thanksgiving they shared together. The turkey is a loved figure of Thanksgiving as well with the president pardoning one every year.
Fall is a season of change with the leaves and temperature shifting. It is a time of family and friends as we grow closer during the holidays. Fall is the best season because it brings people together in ways that the other seasons can’t.
