There are two things anyone who reads this article needs to know before continuing. 1) I have a extreme bias towards the fall season and 2) this could possibly be the most "basic" article you have ever read, or the most relatable. If you are anything like me and the majority of everyone I know, you already love fall. But have you ever stopped and thought of why? With the fall season quickly approaching and the pumpkin spice lattes knocking down Starbucks back doors, its time to remind ourselves why we have always fallen for Fall.
1. The weather
I haven't decided what I love more, the crisp and refreshing air that comes with the fall season or the warm days that turn into perfectly cool nights. Both send an ever welcome shiver down my spine that forces me to throw on a cute flannel or cardigan and cuddle up to friends and loved ones. Both remind me of childhood days spent ruining perfectly raked leaf piles. Both the air and the temperature in the Fall are what I look forward to during the hot Iowa summers. The weather in the Fall is hands down my favorite time about the season.
2. Football
College, high school, professional. Honestly any kind of football is my kind of football. From tailgating to the actual games themselves, football fever hits hard in the Fall. I love the feeling of being around fans just as crazy as you are while eating food until you can't button your pants. The crazy chants that you know by heart, the ungodly amount of team gear you own, and the time spent preparing for the games are all part of the joy that is Fall football. Weather it is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Thursday, you can always count on football to be on and fans to be cheering on the teams that they love. Of course I can't write this article without showing a little love to my teams..... Go Tigers, Dutch, Hawkeyes and Vikings!
3. The scenery
Although the falling leaves are the worst to rake up, bag and dispose of, they are also the prettiest part of the Fall season. Whether the leaves are still on the trees or are covering the ground, Fall would not hold the beauty it does without them. All of the bright and vidid colors make for some of the prettiest scenery you will see all year. The leaves and the familiar Aumtum colors are perfect for senior pictures, engagement pictures, wedding pictures or pictures of babies playing in the leaves. Take as many pictures that you can of the Fall scenery because once the first snowfall hits, you won't be able to see it for another ten or so months.
4. Halloween
I have a love-hate relationship with Halloween. On one hand, I love candy, chocolate and even the occassional scary movie. On the other hand, I HATE clowns and masks and creepy killer costumes. And as we all know, those are extrememly prevelant in the Fall. Pranks involving those types of costumes are also extremely prevelant in the Fall. However, I still love Halloween time. I love watching scary movies with my friends and family and screaming at the intense parts. I love going to haunted houses with my boyfriend and having him pracically drag me through the houses. Although clowns scare the living daylights out of me, Fall wouldn't be the same without Halloween (and all the creepy creatures that come with it).
5. Pumpkin everything
Dun, Dun, DUN. Here it comes. Fall is in the air and pumpkin spice everything is finally here. Every Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts and local coffee shop will be filled with pumpkin bars, pumpkin spiced lattes, and pumpkin spiced ice cream. Some people do not find the joy I find in pumpkin spice, those people must be flavor blind. Pumpkin spiced items only come around one time a year, enjoy it will you can. Keep calm and pumpkin on.
6. One step closer to Christmas
Although fall is my favorite season, Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday. However, I believe Christmas is a season that ranges from September to February so as soon as Fall hits, I'm celebrating the Christmas season. You got it, I'm already listening to Christmas music, planning my gift list, and trying to rally up all my Christmas movies for a much needed holiday movie day. Some may think I'm crazy, but there is just something about Fall that gets me in the mood for all things Christmas!
This fall season, get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful weather and people. Go to a corn maze, or get lost in a haunted house. Whatever you decide, get out and love fall!