Technically, the fall season started on September 22, but the weather has yet to prove that here in Alabama. Hopefully, November will be a much cooler month down south. Fall brings many exciting activities and holidays with it, making this time of year a favorite for many people. Listed below are 10 of the best things about the fall season.
1. Sweater Weather
Even though the weather in Montgomery has yet to hit below a high of 70 degrees at mid-day, sweater weather is rapidly approaching. It’s time to say goodbye to your shorts and tank tops and hello to your jeans and sweaters. Nothing feels better than wrapping up in a nice, cozy sweater or hoodie on a cool day in the fall.
2. Warm drinks
In the summer, drinking a warm beverage doesn’t even cross your mind, but as soon as the leaves start to change colors and the weather gets cooler, you don’t go a day without a cup of hot chocolate or warm tea. Fall also begins the season of tasty flavored drinks at Starbucks. Pumpkin spice latte, anyone?
3. Fall TV Shows
The spring cliffhanger of your favorite TV show left you bewildered and awestruck all summer. With the arrival of fall comes the renewal of television shows and the peace of mind you’ve been waiting for since May. Fall is also a great time to get hooked on new television shows such as “The Blacklist” on NBC, “Once Upon A Time In Wonderland” on ABC or “The Originals” on The CW.
4. Daylight Savings Time
We all dread the hour of sleep lost during the spring, but rejoice when that hour is given back in the fall. Daylight savings time can be your best friend or your worst enemy depending on the type of person you are. While it allows you one extra hour of sleep, it also increases the chances of you being an hour early for everything the day after the time change. Since it will get darker earlier, coming home after class or work will result in wanting to go cuddle under all the blankets you can find and be as unproductive as possible for the rest of the evening.
5. Football Season
While football season has been in full swing for around two months now, something about fall gives it a sense of renewal. No longer do you have to worry about sweating profusely while tailgating and cheering on your favorite team. It’s time to layer up and huddle together. If you’re more into staying at home for the game, it’s a great opportunity to invite a few friends over and eat hot wings and pizza while enjoying the luxury of indoor heating.
6. Food
Without a doubt, one of the best things about fall is the food. Pies, casseroles, and baked meats start to make their appearance on dinner tables everywhere. Not to mention the fact that all the best treats come in the shape of a pumpkin or a turkey. It’s time to break out the family recipes and impress everyone with your awesome cooking skills or with the skills of the local Publix deli.
7. Thanksgiving
Speaking of food, Thanksgiving is the time of year when you get to eat everything you deprived yourself of while dieting to maintain your summer body. This holiday in the great state of Alabama revolves around three things: food, family, and football. With the Iron Bowl always falling on the weekend after Thanksgiving, the holiday is not only about eating great food, but also about being thankful for and celebrating the wonderful football programs in the state with friends and family.
8. Leaves
Before the leaves start to fall to the ground, they turn beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and green. Admire their beauty while you can because once they’re gone, they won’t be back for another year. After they fall to the ground, it’s time to rake up big piles, jump into them, and repeat.
9. Bonfires
The crackling of a bonfire is one of the simple pleasures of fall. Even though the cold weather limits outdoor activities, bonfires allow you to enjoy being outdoors without freezing to death. Nothing beats gathering around a big fire and roasting marshmallows to make s’mores with loved ones.
10. Anticipation of Christmas
Fall reminds us all that Christmas is just around the corner. Every year we wait and wait for the time of the year to decorate Christmas trees, open presents and spend time with our families. As soon as Halloween is over, stores and houses begin preparing for the Christmas season. It also marks the end of the long fall semester, which is worthy of being celebrated with lots of sleep and relaxation.