Our Fall Traditions: Simple yet Meaningful

The air has cooled and the leaves are beginning to fall. Football season is in full force and I’ve unpacked our jackets. It is so nice to see the changing of seasons. A new start, a fresh wind of possibilities before us.

I love decoring for fall, drinking apple cider, and spotting pumpkins. Some of the best parts of fall or any season are the traditions that we create in our homes.

Early on in my mom life, I realized if we wanted to create traditions I was the one who needed to do the work to make them happen. I guess before I relied on my mom, aunts, and grandmothers to make the holidays special. Since I was now a mom it was my job to make the holidays special for my own kids. I’m not saying my husband doesn’t play a part in all this, but I’m the one that drives it. He has his own areas of responsibilities in our home, the holidays are an area I tend to lead in.

How we Celebrate Fall

We try to keep things as simple and cost-effective as possible. One of the first things I do is buy this candle. It is fairly inexpensive and smells just like fall should smell, a mix of pumpkin pie, strong cinnamon, and some other magical smells that will forever remind me of autumn.

I buy a pumpkin, usually at least two. My kids go crazy about this. My dream is to have pumpkins lining the steps up to my house but I can’t justify spending that much on something I will just throw away in 2 months. If we do end up carving one for Halloween I always save one to last through Thanksgiving. Using stickers to decorate the pumpkin is a great alternative that keeps the pumpkins intact for November. On years where we have had a tight budget, I grab a few of the mini pumpkins from Trader Joe’s. They are usually under a dollar each (like $0.69) and really make things seem festive sitting on our dining room table.

I like to buy at least one small pot of mums. I get the smaller pot because it’s cheaper and I know they will grow bigger. I replant the mums in the ground after they are finished blooming and they come back the next year. At least, they did in Oklahoma. Any Tennessee people know if this will work here?

Having a cup of apple cider or a pumpkin latte makes me feel like fall has arrived. Although actually, my favorite hot drink of the season is Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Herbal Tea. The box with the fox on it. I like this better because it is individual tea bags. The apple cider always comes in such a large container we can’t drink it all before it spoils. Also, pumpkin spice lattes are good but I find them a bit too sweet. The herbal tea is, of course, caffeine-free and everyone always comments on how good it smells. You should try it. By the way, I don’t work for Trader Joes I’m just a huge fan.

Halloween Doors

In early October, we decorate our door for Halloween. This is a super inexpensive project and it makes a big impact.

The boys and I plan out what we are going to create and we work together to make it happen. For the first five minutes it’s fun, then comes the complaining and whining but we persevere and get the job done. Last year Grant cut the tape, Dean handed the cut tape pieces to me and I hung the tape on the door. When they were young, I would have them help by placing an eye or nose. I like that it’s something we do together even if they complain some.  The fact is everyone loves looking at it each time we walk through the door.

I spy a Pumpkin!

We like to take walks in the evenings and play I spy pumpkins in the neighborhood. Of course, all the Halloween decorations are fascinating to look at and the kids still enjoy this little outing. Some years we go to pumpkin farms or festivals but I think the walk through the neighborhood can be just as fun and cost free!

We usually dress up as a family for Halloween. We have been the Scooby Doo Crew, farmers, superheroes, and Thanksgiving dinner to name a few. One evening in early October we usually discuss some ideas for the costumes then I get to work gathering all the pieces. I cherish those times and photos even though valuable resources have to be put in to get the end result. So many sweet memories.

On Halloween night or whatever night we Trick or Treat I usually make a pot of my Aunt Jacque’s taco soup. It’s quick and easy to reheat after we return home from trick or treating. One less thing to do in the chaos of candy opening.

A Heart that is Thankful

Thanksgiving is also such a wonderful holiday. Full of nostalgia and family togetherness. I have hosted several times which is totally thrilling and stressful at the same time. It requires lots of pre-planning but I feel such a sense of accomplishment when it’s over. This past year I read a cookbook that talked about how important words are at special gatherings. So whether it is a toast, a prayer, or a charge the words somehow make the event more meaningful.

I like to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment sitting still at the table, no more ovens to check or birds to carve just a full Thanksgiving plate before me with people I love all around me. A heart that is thankful for all that has been and all that is to come.

I would love to hear about your traditions. Did you start them or carry them down from your family? When do you start decorating for fall? Which traditions are the most meaningful to you? I can’t wait to hear.

Note: If linked items are out of stock check in store. I’ve found the shelves still have quite a few of these items even though they may be sold out online.