I love summer, but there’s something about those first signs of autumn that always makes me happy. The slightly cooler mornings, the evenings drawing in and that first day when you realise you could probably get away with a blanket.
I’m definitely not wishing summer away, but by the time September rolls around, I’m usually ready for a change. I start eyeing up the candles, thinking about where I packed away the throws and wondering whether it’s too early to start putting a few pumpkins around the house.
So, here are some of my favourite things to love about autumn, and what I look forward to doing at this time of year.
1. Getting the Stove Lit Again
This is the first house we’ve lived in without an open fire, and although I do love a proper roaring fire, I definitely don’t miss the amount of dust that comes with one! Thankfully, we already had a stove here, which gives me all the warmth and cosiness without quite so much of the mess.
There’s nothing quite like getting the stove going on a chilly autumn evening. Once that’s lit, the snuggly throws come back out, the blankets find their way onto the sofa. The only problem is convincing myself to move once I’ve got comfy!
2. Switching Over the Wardrobes
This is another little job that always seems to signal that autumn has properly arrived. I start putting away some of the summer clothes and digging out all the jumpers, longewear and warmer bits that haven’t seen daylight for a few months.
The pyjama drawers get a switch-over too, with the little short sets making way for warmer PJs ready for the cooler nights.
Of course, British weather being British weather lately, I’ll probably pack everything away, and we’ll immediately get a random 30-degree day.
3. Lighting My Autumn Candles
Autumn time is definitely when my candle obsession kicks in (even more so!)
I love all the warmer scents at this time of year. There’s just something lovely about lighting a candle when the evenings start getting darker. Add a cuppa and a book, and I’m quite happy staying put for the night.
4. Decorating for the Season
I love adding a few seasonal touches around the house. I don’t go completely mad, but I do like having plenty of autumn bits dotted around and some autumn crafts that I’ve made.
Out come the pumpkins, my mini autumn tree, some twinkly lights and all the other bits and bobs I’ve collected over the years. I can never remember exactly what I’ve got until I start opening the boxes either, so it’s a bit like going shopping without actually spending anything. Always a win!
5. Crafting With the Kids
Autumn is such a good time for getting the craft supplies out. There are leaves, conkers, pinecones and all sorts of bits and bobs outside that can be turned into something when you get home.
I’ve done loads of autumn crafts with the kids over the years, and it’s still something I enjoy. It’s also handy to have a few ideas up your sleeve for those wet afternoons when nobody particularly fancies going anywhere.
Our handprint hedgehog craft, Build-a-Fox printable and Autumn Busy Book are a few you could try if you’re looking for some autumn inspiration.
6. Getting My Crochet Out
I always seem to fancy crocheting more once autumn arrives too.
I’m not saying every project gets finished. There may be one or two half-finished creations lurking around that we don’t need to talk about! But it’s such a relaxing thing to sit and do when the nights are drawing in, and autumn always seems to get me reaching for my crochet hooks again, and maybe make something for Christmas gifting.
7. Getting Back Into Autumn Baking
I definitely bake more once autumn arrives. A grey, rainy afternoon makes putting something in the oven seem far more appealing than it did when it was roasting outside.
Biscuits, pies and crumbles are always welcome. Baking with the kids is always a nice way to spend an afternoon at home, even if we somehow manage to use every bowl, spoon and worktop in the kitchen. It’s all good fun.
8. Slow Cooking
I do use the slow cooker all year round. But mine definitely earns its keep more once autumn arrives, though.
I love being able to get dinner sorted earlier in the day and then leave it bubbling away. Slow cooker beef stew, veggie stew and dumplings, casseroles, chilli and all those proper warming dinners start appearing on the menu again.
Plus, there’s the smug little feeling at five o’clock when you remember dinner is already done.
9. Watching Even More Horror Movies
I say even more because being a horror buff means I’ll happily watch a horror film at any time of year. There’s just something about the darker autumn evenings that makes them even better though.
Of course, whether I actually get to put one on depends entirely on whether my youngest is in bed! As we all know, his bedtime routine isn’t exactly your average one, so horror movie night sometimes starts rather later than planned.
But when I do get the chance, it’s curtains closed, lights down, snacks out and something suitably creepy on the TV. The closer we get to Halloween, the more horror films seem to make their way onto my watchlist too.
10. Having Cosy Family Movie Nights
When I’m not watching something that would give the kids nightmares, we love a good family movie night too.
Nothing fancy is needed. We usually grab some snacks, get the blankets out and settle down together to watch something. Sometimes we’ll do popcorn and treats and make a bit more of it, while other times everyone just turns up in their pyjamas.
Those simple nights at home are often some of the best.
11. Bringing a Bit of Autumn Home With Us
The best part of autumn is enjoying the colours outdoors. I love getting out for a walk when the leaves start changing, especially on those lovely crisp, sunny days.
We rarely come home empty-handed either. Conkers, leaves, pinecones and various sticks that apparently absolutely must come home with us usually find their way through the door. Some get used for crafts, some sit around looking autumnal.
12. Planning Our Autumn Days Out
As much as I love the cosy side of autumn, it’s also one of my favourite times of year for getting out as a family.
Pumpkin picking is always on our list, along with woodland walks, and those simple days out where you wrap up, grab a hot drink and have a wander somewhere pretty to look at the Christmas lights appearing. We’re lucky to have plenty of places to go pumpkin picking in Staffordshire, and I’ll be updating our guide again for this year’s pumpkin season.
We also have our Autumn Bucket List if you’re looking for more ideas for things to do together over the next few months.
My Favourite Time of Year
Before we know it, the clocks will be changing, Halloween will be here and we’ll all be wondering where the year has gone! So, for now though, I’m looking forward to making the most of the next few months.
Now, if somebody could remind me of all this enthusiasm when it’s dark at 4pm and I’m moaning that I’m freezing, that would be great!
