Days full of sweat-inducing heat, stubborn grass stains on the backs of white jeans, sticky melted-ice-cream covered hands and painful sandal blisters are in the past. Fall, a season full of deep colors, bulky scarves and hot drinks, is finally here to stay.

What should we get excited about?

Fall Fashion

Fall is widely accepted as the best season for fashion. When the temperature drops, people can express their unique style by layering various pieces, combining disparate parts of their wardrobes to create one cohesive (and warm) look. Just as the leaves turn from bright green to more muted reds, oranges, yellows and browns, we swap out bright, assertive tones for a more relaxed and natural pallet. There are so many ways to get creative in this transitional season. By taking advantage of the not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather, we can use heavier pieces like scarves, bulky coats and bold boots to make street style statements.

Nature

Apple picking and pumpkin picking in the fall are the best things to do with friends or family. It takes you out of life's daily hustle, immerses you in nature and gives you a space to spend quality time with people you love. The apples you pick can be eaten fresh on the spot. Or, you can use them for months of fall-inspired baking. Hikes and picnics are typically thought of as summer activities, but they take on a special form in fall. For fall hikes, bundling up in athletic pants, a sweater, a heavy scarf and gloves keeps you warm. At the same time, crisp gusts of cool air refresh and invigorate you in a way summer air just can't. For your fall picnic, gather together heavier blankets, thermoses, freshly toasted bagels and some apples from your apple picking trip. Bundle up with a hot drink on the grass while you watch the leaves change in the park around you.

Holidays

Fall is unlike any other season when it comes to holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Halloween, Thanksgiving and more. Every other week there's a new thing to celebrate. Of course, this means more days off of school, heaps of incredible food and fun social gatherings. But, more important, the holidays are valuable times for us to reflect on privilege, hard work, love, grit and gratitude. Self-reflection is essential to growth. It is hard to find time to do this during the year, so the holidays should be taken advantage of. Fall is a special season, we should cherish it. Rarely do we get so many opportunities to sit down with groups of people, relax, talk, eat and enjoy one another's company.