I know we really don’t need another article waxing poetically about the 3rd season of the year, but I felt compelled to put something down on “paper” after reading a rather inflammatory article on why Americans love fall so much, in particular white women. I’m a white, American and female, but as I was reading this article, I kept thinking, ‘lady, you’ve got this all wrong.’ At least when it came to my own experiences. And how is it possible that you’ve gotten inside the mind of every American women to know what she likes and why she likes it? I know the author was making generalizations and I agree there are A LOT of cliche fall activities, but it did seem a tad unfair that there was such deep criticism toward women who are doing these things because they likely bring a great deal of comfort and joy.

I grew up in Vermont, which is pretty much the Mecca for autumn indulgences. You can partake in virtually any stereotypical fall activity from hayrides to a fresh cider donut nosh against the backdrop of a majestic, sprawling mountainside painted in warm autumn hues. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? It is, actually, but I didn’t appreciate any of those things until adulthood and I have loved fall for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I did not really care that much about colorful leaves or mountains. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve gone apple picking (yes, to this day). We did not take special trips to get apple cider donuts or pick pumpkins. It was the 70s and 80s and the only thing that was pumpkin spice scented or flavored was an actual pumpkin pie. As a teenager, I worked for local businesses that catered to tourists seeking comfort and fulfillment in all the wonders Vermont has to offer this time of year. It got really cold, by the way. And I lived in an old farmhouse with a wood stove as our only heat source and no heat upstairs in our bedrooms. Read that again: no heat in our bedrooms. I had a simple upbringing practically devoid of all of these beloved rituals. And, yet, I loved fall. Still do.

So why the love? After a decent amount of introspection, I boiled it down to three points: magic, relief and a fresh start. Despite my childhood lack of all things fall, there was always a little magic and mystery to the season for me. I played extensively on our 2+ acres of land that included a brook and a small hill covered in a variety of wild botanicals. There was always something new to discover or inspect as things slowly changed from the growing season to the season of letting go. I did, in fact, take a hayride every Halloween season to the haunted house tour organized by our local fire department as their fund raiser. As a kid that haunted house was everything. The anticipation, the excitement and wonder of the whole experience has left an indelible mark in my memory bank. It was truly magical and special. While I did enjoy my Vermont summers, it was never my favorite season. I did not care for hot weather and often times when I would seek refuge inside with a book or my art supplies, I could sense disapproval from certain family members about how I was spending my summer hours. So when fall rolled around, I could spend hours outside in the comfort of the cool crisp air or engage in my indoor activities without the feeling like I was somehow missing out on the outdoor wonders of summertime. Lastly, autumn always felt like a fresh start, particularly when it came to school. New supplies, new teachers, new clothes, new schoolwork and a chance to make another school year fun and fabulous. It was a good feeling.

Those good feelings have followed me into adulthood. The truth is that I engage in very few of these fall rituals even to this day. I have no problem with apple or pumpkin picking. I like a good hayride. Don’t even get me started on cider donuts. Fried carbs? Yes, please. I don’t necessarily look forward to pumpkin spice anything but I don’t mind it either. I could take or leave these things because, while I have no problem with them, they are not why I look forward to fall. Part of the love is nostalgia and part of it is getting out into nature and enjoying it for the same reasons I did as a kid. I love that first fire in the fireplace, a walk in the woods, getting bundled up and looking at the stars on a cool crisp night, a neighborhood organized Oktoberfest and sweaters. Yes, I have a love affair with sweaters.

Why we love anything, whether it’s all things fall or lounging on the beach on a hot summer’s day is really based on our individual experiences and preferences. I think we all just want to do things that make us feel good, carry on cherished family traditions and create happy, lasting memories. I immediately think of the Danish concept of Hygge (hue-guh), which is the idea of doing things that bring a feeling of comfort, coziness and wellbeing. What better time to do this than when the weather starts cool off? And right now I think we’re all seeking small things that bring joy because so much has been limited or restricted. So I say, do your thing, whether it’s totally cliche or completely bizarre. Get your Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, put your Christmas decorations out on November 1st, go apple picking and bake a pie, buy yourself some new boots and a cozy sweater. Just do what makes you feel good!