All The Best Things About Fall
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the slightly yellow tint of the sun, and beauty all around as the leaves began to change color. I love the baking, the decorating, and the soup making.
I hate having to resist all of the goodies everywhere but take comfort in being able to hide under an extra layer of clothes.
Planting Season
I plant lots of herbs as the air turns cooler and check daily for the sighting of sprouts. My efforts are usually rewarded around the fourteenth day. Pumpkins are being carved, goblins are on display, and zombie warning signs are going up.
The fall herbs to plan are parsley, cilantro, mint, chives, rosemary, and thyme. All of my favorites to cook with.
Fall Foliage
To see the changing color of the leaves is a sight to behold. As the season change, so does the amount of sunlight trees and plants receive. With shorter days and less light, comes the beautiful changing of leaves from green to yellow, orange, and red.
Maybe you are fortunate enough to live in a place that offers all the beauty that fall has to offer, but if you do not, there are maps online to show you the best locations to enjoy the scenery.
Halloween
Halloween arrives and small and big children prowl the night on the search for free candy, trading cuteness for chocolate. Will a chill in the air, and a smile on my face, I hand out candy as I admire all the cute and clever costumes.
October ends and on the hunt I go for the perfect turkey. I will brine the turkey for at least twenty-four hours in a tried and true rosemary-garlic solution that will yield the tastiest, moistest turkey one could dream of.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and appreciation. We have good food and spend time with our loved ones, both friends and family. We enjoy cocktails and football, good conversations, and share plans and hopes for the new year to come.
On Thanksgiving night our beautiful Christmas tree goes up. Tired yet content to sit on the sofa with the family to watch lights flicker on the tree and listen to the fire crackle in the fireplace. Thanksgiving has once again come and gone.
Christmas Celebrations
December comes and the shopping frenzy begins, for most, but not me. I am an early shopper so most of my presents are wrapped and under the tree at this point. I enjoy evening walks around the neighborhood with the hubby and my girls, with my thermos of tea in hand, to spy all of the wonderful Christmas decorations.
On Christmas Eve, technically into winter, we open stocking gifts and track Santa. There is a tinge of sadness in my heart because I know my favorite time of year is coming to an end all too soon.
Christmas morning comes with me sitting by a fire, sipping coffee, and watching the children and husband open their gifts. Although happy I still have to resist the urge to pout about how fast it is all coming to an end. I remind myself to be thankful for all of my good fortune.
Dinner will consist of sides and a yummy baked ham before heading off to the movies. We come home from the movies to a Christmas tree with no presents under it and trash bags full of wrapping paper. There’s a mess to clean up and l can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
It begins...
What do you do during the fall? Do you have any fall or holiday traditions for you and your family? Please share your traditions or any suggestions!
It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves! - Winnie the Pooh
