For most people, fall means leaves changing colors, cute beanies and scarves, and Pumpkin Spice lattes every single day. However, in Texas, fall means something entirely different. Fall in Texas comes two months later than it does for everyone else, and usually is accompanied by 40 degree mornings and 90 degree afternoons. It is categorized by a confused wardrobe, football, and trees with either green leaves, or no leaves. Nevertheless, Texans have our own brand of fall favorites, things that give us that fall feeling:
1. Football Season
One hallmark of the fall season in Texas, is the presence of the best sport in history. Football is an institution in Texas, and our weeks usually consist of: Watching the NFL on Monday nights, attending high school football games on Thursdays and Fridays, cheering for our college football teams on Saturday, and spending Sunday watching more NFL games.
2. Homecoming
If you've never had the opportunity to make a mum, I am truly sorry. There is nothing that compares to the assembly line of ribbons and braids, and the smell of hot glue that stays in your house all day. Similarly, there are few sounds that are as sweet as the sound of bells that parade the hallways, and few sights as joyful as girls covered from head to toe in giant mums.
3. Festivals
In Texas, Fall Festivals seem to be a weekly thing. This includes, but isn't limited to, the Renaissance Festival, Wurstfest, and countless State Fairs
4. Haunted Houses
Everything truly is bigger in Texas, including how we celebrate EVERY holiday. In my hometown alone, there are close to 10 haunted houses put on by different companies every year.
5. The Weather
When the weather FINALLY cools down (aka mid-October, if we're lucky), Texans can finally enjoy a break from our shorts and tank tops, not to mention, the backpack sweat is less prominent for those of us who have a little extra perspiration.
6. Cute Outfits (finally)
Unlike our Northern friends, Texans very rarely get to participate in the whole "look at my cute scarf and sweater" thing. However, once it gets cooler than 80 degrees, we break out our riding boots and vests, and finally get to participate in all the best fall fashions without regretting our every move.
7. Fall Sunsets
While a Texas sunset is one of the prettiest sights I have ever seen, there is something different, and even more beautiful that comes with a sunset in the fall.
8. Halloween/Christmas Movies
Once October 1st hits, all of the Halloween and Christmas movies are on repeat. If watching these movies wasn't great enough, many neighborhoods all over Texas put on free outdoor screenings for families and friends (Talk about a triple whammy: movies, beautiful Texas sunsets, and great weather all in one)
Fall has always been my favorite season, and getting to celebrate it in Texas is unlike anything else. From homecoming and football season to getting into the holiday spirit, and even finally getting a break from sweating on a 2-minute walk from class to the car, there is so much to love about fall, especially for a Texan.
