Autumn’s Charm: Traditions and Celebrations
As the warmth of summer begins to fade, our family eagerly awaits the arrival of September 1st. It’s not just a date on the calendar for us; it marks the transition into a season rich with color, crisp air, and cozy moments: autumn.
On or very close to this day annually, we dive into our storage (and maybe make an excuse to go to Hobby Lobby!) to bring out the autumn decorations that transform our home into a warm fall wonderland. It’s our signal that “Autumn Mode” has officially begun, and with it, a series of cherished traditions that celebrate the essence of fall.
Welcoming Autumn with Open Arms and Warm Sips
Autumn Harvest Adventures: Pumpkins and Apples
Our decoration ritual sets the stage for a season filled with leaf peeping, usually around Western North Carolina or the smokey mountains of Tennesee, where we marvel at the spectacular show nature puts on with its vibrant hues. This visual feast is accompanied by the comforting warmth of homemade hot apple cider and Wessail—a delightful concoction we purchase at Trader Joe’s—that becomes one of our staple beverages in chilly weather.
One of our favorite autumn activities is visiting pumpkin patches, and Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC, holds a treasured spot in our family’s heart. Our quest for the perfect pumpkins to adorn our doorstep or to transform into happy lanterns is a highlight of the season. We’re always on the lookout for new recommendations, so if you have a go-to pumpkin patch, we’d love to hear about it!
Our autumn adventures also lead us to the joy of apple picking, a tradition dear to both kids but especially to Peter, who has an insatiable love for apples. Granddad’s Apples in Hendersonville, NC, offers not just the activity of picking apples but the pleasure of enjoying them in various delightful ways later on. Our kitchen becomes a hub of activity as we use our apple spiralizer to create slinky apples, some of which we bake into delectable treats flavored with butter, cinnamon, and as little sugar as possible to get the job done.
Navigating Corn Mazes and Fostering Leadership
Another staple of our fall celebrations is the excitement of conquering a corn maze. This adventure isn’t just about fun; it’s an opportunity for the kids to lead the way, make decisions, and guide us through the maze. Seeing them take on leadership roles is immensely rewarding, a practice we believe is crucial for their development.
Autumn: Cozy Evenings and Seasonal Joys
As the day ends, our family gathers for cozy evenings, watching “Spookly the Pumpkin” and “The Waltons,” enveloped in the warmth of our autumn-decorated home. These moments, simple yet profound, are the essence of what fall means to us.
In sharing our autumn traditions, from the day we deck our home in fall finery to the joyful activities that fill our days, we hope to inspire others to celebrate the season in ways that bring joy and togetherness to their families. We’re always looking for new traditions to incorporate into our autumn celebrations, so if you have any suggestions, particularly for pumpkin patches or apple orchards, please share them with us.
As we embrace the beauty and bounty of autumn, let’s remember the importance of creating moments that our families will cherish for years to come. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, love, and memorable adventures. Happy Fall, Ya’ll!