Fall is my favorite season of the year, and I dive into the fall spirit the minute the temperature drops below 80 degrees. Cooler temperatures allow me to break out the warmer clothes from my closet, especially my beloved sweater collection. Fall is also when I start to make soups and various hot drinks like hot chocolate or hot tea. While many of us have our own ways of embracing the autumn atmosphere, I’d like to share some of mine.
Fall has held a special significance for me in recent years, mostly due to marching band season. Early morning practices in the crisp air, followed by long bus rides to competitions, created cherished memories. During these journeys, I’d often sit back, take in the scenic views outside the window and relax. Depending on how early it was, I might converse with friends on the bus. These moments truly defined the fall season for me.
The fall season is also when I break out my favorite movies and make all my friends watch them with me. I’m not a big fan of horror movies, which tends to be what everyone thinks about around Halloween, but a good spooky comedy is just as enjoyable if you ask me. If someone were to ask me right off the bat what movie is a fall necessity, I would immediately respond with “Ghostbusters” (1984). A classic from release featuring some of my favorite actors, “Ghostbusters” and its sequels give off the perfect spooky vibe while also being comical.
Another movie that comes to mind when thinking of Halloween is “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966), released by Universal Pictures. In the movie, Don Knotts stars as Luther Heggs, a timid typesetter desperate to make his big break in writing. He spends a night in a supposedly haunted mansion to write a newspaper story, leading to uncovering the truth about the local ghost story’s origins and what truly happened. With a mixture of wacky hijinks to play along with the spooky elements creates the perfect balance for a great movie.
At a runtime of 90 minutes, it’s a fairly short watch if you have a short attention span like I do. Even then, “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” is a classic and a fall must-watch for me.
Beyond everything, fall is a time to come together with friends and family. So whether you’re coming together for Thanksgiving with your family or even as a small group of friends going out to eat after a long day, fall is a time for gathering.
Last year, I spent my Thanksgiving holiday in Florida at Disney World for a band trip. On that trip, my friends and I started our tradition of “Friendsgiving,” where we sat in a hotel room, watched a movie and ate whatever junk food we bought at the park that day.
Whether you’re a sweater enthusiast like me, a pumpkin spice fan or someone who finds joy in other autumn activities, embrace whatever gets you into the fall spirit. These personal traditions, whether it be the cozy clothing, seasonal beverages or movie marathons, are what make the season special and memorable. Hold onto these traditions and experiences.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the season. Whether you prefer quiet nights with a good book and a warm drink or lively outings to pumpkin patches and harvest festivals, what matters most is that these activities bring you joy and help you connect with the essence of autumn.