With the crisp autumn air and the changing colors of the trees transitioning all around us, it is safe to say that fall is in full swing. Fall brings a new season filled with cooler temperatures, festive activities, and delicious seasonal foods that set the scene for any family to make some lasting memories that will be cherished in the years to come. Autumn has always been a time where families gathered to celebrate the harvest and enjoy the last tastes of decent weather and socialization before the long winter months kept everyone cooped up. While today we see far less of bringing in the yearly harvest within our own communities, we do still celebrate the fruits of the previous seasons and mark the traditional customs and celebrations that have been passed on through generations. While fall brings many opportunities to be festive, it also can bring the feeling of being burnt out long before the season comes to an end.
It can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you have children to feel like you have to participate in every fall activity. From autumn festivals and homecoming to Halloween parties and pumpkin everything, come November you may find yourself without the energy to enjoy the upcoming holiday season. While everything pumpkin spice might sound nice, for others fall may be a season where selecting only a few fruits to enjoy is far better than participating in every sweater weather activity.
Instead of packing your short fall season with everything fall related ask yourself, and your family, what are some festive things that are a must. For example, homecoming and halloween may be at the top of the list for the kids while fall festivals or markets might be on mom’s list. You can probably expect dad to want a fire pit or camping one night. You may quickly find that there isn’t enough time for everything, but that’s exactly why you find what everyone enjoys doing together and select only a few that are realistically attainable.
Perhaps, instead of participating in every Homecoming activity, you choose the main events to take the kids to. Rather than going to every fall festival in the county, pick one and make it a family outing. A great way to combine many of your fall bucket list items is finding a festival that has many fall-themed activities like a pumpkin patch, fruit picking, a market, games, and of course delicious autumn treats. This time of year many churches hold their annual festivals, bazaars, or auctions for fundraising efforts and this can be a great way to support your local church and still get to do many fall related things as a family. If festivals aren’t your thing, look into local farms that may offer their own seasonal festivities such as apple picking, a corn maze, hayrides, and locally sold goodies. Taking the family out on a day in the country might be exactly what everyone needs to enjoy quality time together and make some lasting autumn memories without filling the calendar to the brim.
Another possibility, you may find yourself wanting a weekend getaway with the family during the fall break. Plan a fun getaway to a place that offers their own fall festivities that you can enjoy while visiting. Trade going to your local pumpkin patch for visiting a different one while on vacation. Find local farms in that area you can visit that offer many of the seasonal activities that the whole family will enjoy and you will be sure to savor the warm memories made.
While planning to do things outside the home is fun, sometimes you may find that doing things at home are just as special. You may opt out of going to a fall festival for a quiet night in with the family. Enjoy a warm campfire with a fresh cup of apple cider and some roasted s’mores and listen to the kids share their thoughts or funny stories. Make it unique by busting out some instruments or singing together. You can make campfire dinners a regular fall activity in your home by enjoying a warm casserole dish by the fire once a week as a family. Make those campfire dinners a little more exciting by planning to cook a full meal over the campfire like the good old days. Get everyone to participate, and let the kids take charge in the planning and prepping. You will find that a homemade meal over the fire will be a warm memory that lives in your heart forever.
Finally, one of the nice things about the fall is savoring that sense of community before winter sets in. You may find yourself wanting to enjoy a special night with friends and family versus going out to carnivals or festivals. Planning a bonfire dinner party with friends and family is a great way to have a fall festival in the comforts of your own backyard. Plan an evening with music, a warm fire, homemade cider, and a delicious potluck. Keep it simple and make it about gathering and just enjoying each other's company within a warm and cozy atmosphere. A Halloween bonfire party could be a great alternative to going trick or treating if you have little ones that get scared, or if Halloween isn’t really your thing. A fire pit, upbeat music, apple cider donuts, roasted sausage, and a few light hearted games may be a great way to celebrate with family and friends without all the goblins and freight.
In the end, autumn is what you make of it, but don’t make it one where you burn yourself out before November gets here. Making time to enjoy the season's festivities as a family is important but remember that too much of one, or multiple things, isn’t always healthy. Find your fall favorites and make the time to enjoy those activities as a family and to not be afraid to include others like close friends and extended family. Make the effort to do things that everyone will enjoy and to find the time to enjoy the slower pace moments that fall has to offer. With a little light planning and some creative thinking you will quickly find yourself enjoying every sip of that pumpkin spice latte without feeling burnout.
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