As of September 22, 2016, it’s officially fall or it’s autumn, if you prefer its more eloquent and scientific name. But honestly, I mentally feel as if fall begins once it hits September but nevertheless it’s by far my favorite season. On a side note, I might be a bit biased and just excited that next month is also my birthday month.

Regardless, no matter how stereotypical the reason, it’s definitely that time of year again when everyone can “fall” in love with life a little more.

Here are 10 reasons why autumn is the best!

1. Leaves Changing Color

Shout out to God or whatever higher power you believe in for taking some art classes and showing the beauty of color! From the spectrum of warm colors of reds, orange, and yellows, nature’s natural beauty is enhanced and wonderfully contrasted with the blues of the sky and water and remaining green leaves. Like whoa, Instagram and VSCO filters got nothing on this!

2. Jumping into Piles of Leaves

I know it’s a hassle raking piles of what seems like endless leaves but…WHO DOESN’T LOVE JUMPING INTO THE END RESULT? Let me tell you, some of the more simple things of life produce the most joy.

3. LAYERS

Maybe it’s just me, but every year once summer comes I have a sort of existential crisis on “What do you wear in the summer?” Maybe it’s just a Minnesota thing, since we have winter for basically half of the year. Anyways, once fall comes I get super excited to wake up and pick out an outfit for the day! There’s a plethora of options from countless of sweaters, flannels, scarves, boots, etc. All the cute things I wouldn’t be able to wear in the summer (or I’d die from a heat stroke), I can wear now! Thankful for fall weather for bringing back the concept of layers!

4. Homecoming/Back to School

You may not like going back to school for the whole educational aspect, although many of us crave learning, however you can’t deny you love seeing school friends and all the beginning of the school activities. There’s a flaming energy that doesn’t simmer during these fall months and it just lifts your spirits. It doesn’t matter if it was your Welcome Week, Homecoming Week, Parent’s weekend, etc. Everyone had permanent smiles and awesome memories! At least, that’s what your Instagram shows!

5. Football Games

It doesn’t matter if it’s high school, college, or the pros, America loves their football! At a time with everyone is so divided, it’s heart-warming to see communities come together for one purpose whether it’s supporting their home team or playing the game itself.

6. Fall Premieres of Prime-Time TV

After binge-watching all summer on your favorite shows, they’re back in the fall for new seasons! Now you have new episodes or shows to obsess over and help your case of procrastination! Or you can be a little more proactive and rearrange your entire life schedule to accommodate for that two hour “Dancing with The Stars” block from 7-9! Yay for time management skills!

7. Pumpkin Carving

It doesn’t matter if you’re single or not; pumpkin carving and other “fall date” activities like apple picking and hayrides are just classic fall day makers. There’s something about choosing your own pumpkin and choosing your design that makes seeing the end result a million times better than seeing a plastic lit up pumpkin. A big shout out to those crazily amazing artistic people who somehow can do those insane mind-blowing carvings!

8. Halloween

I love the idea that from young and old everyone has the opportunity to dress up as whoever or whatever for the night! The range of creativity, originality, realness or cuteness of costumes is so interesting to see! I know I’ve had a fair share of stylish costumes like a pineapple in 7th grade but I think last year’s costume wins the prize. I donated a foot of my hair about a week before last Halloween and came up with my own Mulan outfit. Sometimes it’s nice just going as yourself for Halloween!

9. Thanksgiving

A holiday dedicated to show our gratitude and great food? Yes please! Without the Christmas season stress, it’s relaxing and rewarding to have a holiday truly embracing being with your loved ones and cherishing good times together. It may seem sappy but I love reading/hearing people say they’re thankful for one another. Also I’m that sappy person saying how much I love people. Did I ever tell you how thankful I am you’re reading this? (P.S: I love you)

10. Starbucks’ Fall Flavors

It may be deemed basic but Starbucks knows what’s up in the fall! I personally am not the biggest fan of the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte but I can’t deny that I do enjoy a Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino every once in awhile. I sometimes like to spice it up and go for this year’s Chile Mocha! So if you want to easily make someone’s autumn day, don’t forget to order an extra drink when you’re at Starbucks!