Although the Fall season officially started in late September, in many places it’s only now rearing its true face. Early Autumn is known for the slowly turning of the leaves and relatively warm evenings. You might still get away with short sleeves for a few weeks, or be lucky enough to catch that last heatwave.
But even if early Autumn has spoiled you with good weather, things are about to get serious from here. The fog is creeping in, chilly crisp mornings are lurking around the corner and soon you might be starting to scrape ice off your windshield, even if you live in places like Cali! You will begrudgingly be getting out of bed when it feels like the middle of the night and getting back home from work when it’s already dark. Aren’t we all just looking forward to that?
Back in the day (our great-grandparents’ day) when people lived a bit closer to nature and a lot of them farmed or had jobs that depended on light (remember that England didn’t get a nationwide electricity grid until 1947.) After preserves were made, the fields plowed, the firewood gathered – there was nothing else to do but to sit by the fire, keep warm, and… rest.
Autumn has a way of slowing things down even now – in many cultures it’s a time for reflection. And all of us have our own Autumn rituals, whether we realise it or not. Pumpkin lattes? Check! Scarf season? Check! Knee high boots? Check! Here is a list of some amazing fall rituals that will make you feel like all warm and frothy inside.
Spice things up!
Pumpkin lattes have become the seasonal staple, but perhaps it’s time to put away sugary and calorie-laden drinks in favour of something that’s more virtuous but even more “Autumny”? If you have a cup of tea with warming turmeric and cinnamon, topped off with ginger and honey, it might actually help to boost your immune system and keep you healthy throughout the cold season. Not to mention the taste that can fire up your senses with a mixture of spiciness and subtle sweetness.
To make a cup, use:
1 heaping teaspoon of loose leaf black tea
Two slices of lemon
Half a teaspoon of freshly ground turmeric
Half a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger
A tablespoon of dark honey (like buckwheat, or honeydew)
Put the tea leaves, ginger, and turmeric into your favourite cup and steep in boiling water. After 4 minutes have passed, add the slices of lemon and stir, letting the lemon juice cool the tea a little. In the end, add the honey. The lowered temperature will preserve the honey’s properties.
Scarves and wraps
Autumn is the time of year when even when it’s warm inside, we get an irresistible urge to wrap ourselves up in… something. Maybe while sipping on our tea, or maybe while reading a good book – or both! The start of scarf season is something to be celebrated as you let your collection loose – or go out shopping for something that is perfect for this Fall in particular.
There are many shawls and wraps to choose from in Autumn fashion this year, and a big favourite has always been cashmere. Soft, warm and natural it will warm you up inside and outside. Another classic is wool. Notice that the best textiles are always natural and simple. Wool has been a choice for scarves for hundreds of centuries, and a knitted shawl will keep you extremely cozy and hot – you can even use it as a blanket. It’s also one of the most breathable materials, so you won’t feel like you’re in a sauna when you’re covered head to toe.
Put your feet up
Speaking of good reads, Autumn is a great time to discover some of those old forgotten classics to get in the mood. We recommend Harry Potter, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, or the Witching Hour by Anne Rice to get the mood started. Actually, anything by Anne Rice, Stephen King or Neil Gaiman will do.
Autumn is perfect for curling up with a good book, but not only because it’s not as fun going outside in the cold and the dark. We can use this opportunity to recharge, get some rest and look forward to spring. Just like nature does at this time of the year.
Decorate
Decorating can be the best part of any season really, and fall has probably even more wonderful options than the winter season! And most of the things you can get while picking things up on a walk through the park – bowls of chestnuts, walnuts and apples can not only be a fall harvest centerpiece, but an invitation for guest to help themselves. You can make wreaths out of found leaves, artistically distribute pumpkins or light cinnamon scented candles.
Making your own decorations while sipping on hot tea or mulled wine is probably the thing I look forward to the most!
Fall traditions
Do you have a special fall tradition? Whether it’s a cup of hot pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin on your doorstep, there’s definitely magic in the air.
The holiday season is just ahead with its hustle and bustle, food and parties. Remember to breathe and reminisce before the madness begins!
Let Autumn spoil you rotten.
