A Fall Fun Bucket List

I find the fall season utterly enchanting. Many people don’t like the drop in temperature and decrease in light, but the onset of autumn fills me with a deep sense of contentment that’s hard to describe. It’s not the lighthearted joy of spring, when we feel our cares lifting away. Fall marks a return to the responsibilities we held onto more loosely in summer, but it also presents us with an opportunity to consider these responsibilities and priorities, and examine whether they’re in line with our visions for our lives. Autumn is a grounding time, one I’ve personally found better for setting intentions than the start of the New Year.

But as we ask ourselves important questions about our dreams and aspirations, let’s not forget to make time for fun! Fall offers us plenty of opportunities to have fun and make memories. I want to share my fall bucket list in the hopes that it will inspire you to make the most of this beautiful season.

1. Backyard bonfires Bonfires are a great way to pass chilly early-fall evenings. Toast s’mores and swap ghost stories for even more fun!

2. Carve a pumpkin It’s important to catch up with your inner child once in a while. Carving pumpkins is nostalgic and provides you with a cheap decoration for your porch. Don’t forget to lay down plenty of newspaper, it can get messy!

3. Read Summer reading is great, but I’m even more fond of autumn reading. In fall, we tend to reach for books that are longer and more thoughtful; books we can sit under a blanket with and not move for several hours. I always welcome the opportunity to stock my bookshelf with the reflective books I crave this time of year.

4. Learn to bake For years, I’ve wanted to become an expert bread baker like my mother, so we’ve decided that this is the year I’m going to become her apprentice. Baking is a cozy way to pass autumn weekends. You can’t rush the process, but it’s satisfying work, and when you’re done you have delicious fresh bread to enjoy.

5. Walk in the forest I’m lucky enough to live near a beautiful, remote forest that’s just perfect for exploring. People have always enjoyed wandering in the woods, and for good reason… there’s always something new to discover there. Plus, there’s no place better than a forest to see the brilliant colors of autumn leaves.

6. Mull apple cider I love sipping warm, spiced apple cider on cold nights. It’s one of those seasonal treats that really is at its best in autumn, so enjoy it in abundance!

7. Overhaul my fall wardrobe It’s a good idea to take stock of your wardrobe at the change of the seasons. Lay everything on the bed and evaluate which pieces can stay in rotation, which should be packed away for the season, and which need to be replaced. If it’s in the budget, it can be a lot of fun to go shopping for a new scarf, sweater, or pair of boots to freshen up your look for fall.

8. Plant bulbs Spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths need to be planted in the fall. Planting them on a brisk October afternoon is pleasant work and a reminder that spring will eventually bring back the natural beauty that is now going to sleep.

Well, there you have it, folks! Thanks for reading my fall bucket list. I hope you’ve found ideas to incorporate into your own autumn season. If you’d like to share more ideas in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!