Opinion: Why fall is the most fantastic season of the year

The beginning of fall is a familiar feeling, like when you wake up on a mid-September morning to hot coffee and a crisp breeze. Fall holds a special place in many hearts, it signifies new beginnings and is brimming with endless possibilities. From seasonal festivities and treats to the return of cold weather and warm clothes, fall has something for everybody to enjoy.

Fall also signifies heading back to school. It brings about busy schedules, new routines and opportunities to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. This season makes us nostalgic for our youth and the beginning weeks of grade school. We remember playing in the leaves, school spirit weeks, high school football games and, of course, Halloween. Perhaps this is why so many people proclaim fall to be their favorite season.

The coming of autumn leaves people across America anticipating what their Halloween costume will be. Whether it’s the thrill of being spooked, the fun costumes or all the candy, Halloween continues to capture all generations and create a sense of excitement and community. Halloween is a unique holiday, allowing anyone to dress like someone or something totally different than themselves. Not only do we get to dress in fun costumes, go trick or treating and binge on fun sized candy, we can also share the experience and foster friendships and shared memories among neighbors.

Costumes aren’t the only clothing that gets us jazzed when October rolls around, the typical fall wardrobe is another reason that fall is so hyped. Colder weather means jeans, hats, scarves, boots and coats which give us more options to layer and express our style. Have you ever worn a fluffy sweater? If not, this fall is the time to do it. As the weather gets cooler, sweaters make getting dressed a breeze. If you have no time to contemplate an outfit or just want to be comfy, a sweater is an easy go-to that ensures you will be cozy all day.

Another staple component of fall is the comeback of our favorite festive treats. We all look forward to cider, caramel apples, pumpkin pie, candy corn, the infamous pumpkin spice and Thanksgiving feasts. These are often accompanied by festive activities and events that are staple for the fall experience. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin carving and haunted houses are among the best activities to fill your calendar with. They create memories, bring about our creativity and produce thrills for the entire family.

Fall helps us appreciate the beauty around us. Unlike winter and summer, the fall season has no weather extremes. It’s never too hot or cold and it’s always accompanied with beautiful foliage and transformative colors.

So if you find yourself cursing the cold and stressing about school, remember the beauty and positive experiences that the fall time brings; as F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”