celebrating fall

Living in the Northeast has it's advantages.  I have access within an hours drive to the ocean, the city, and the mountains.  I get to experience all four of the seasons.  Going from brutal cold winters filled with snow, to hot humid summers, and brilliant fall colors.  In between there is spring where new growth occurs.  

I may not be a fan of all of the seasons {especially when the cold and dark creep in}, but when they are here I enjoy celebrating them.  Celebration is one of my self care practices.  It reminds me to be grateful for what is and appreciate the beauty it holds.  

In honor of the brilliant oranges and reds here is a list of 10 ways to celebrate fall:

1. Get yourself outside!  Breathe in the crisp air and go for a walk around the block to admire the fall colors.  See the spectacular show that fall puts on each year.   Mother nature has the ability to fill the trees with color.  But don't wait to long, before you know it those leaves will be gone revealing the bones of the trees. 
2. Savor the flavors of the season.  Apple cider and pumpkin pie are my two fall favorites.  They taste even better when sitting outside on a cool day.  
3. Gather around the fire.  Roast marshmallows.  Tell stories.  Reminisce about days gone by.  Sitting around the fire outside with a warm cup of hot chocolate is the perfect way to kick off fall.  
4. Pull out your sweaters that have been tucked away all summer.  It is there time to shine!
5. Be an explorer and go Geocaching.   Dustin and I got into geocaching last year and had so much fun with it.  It brought us to places in our area that we didn't know existed and it was such a blast when we uncovered the cache.  
6. Rake the leaves into an enormous pile and then jump into them.  Pretend you are six again and let go, be free, and have fun!  
7. Carve a pumpkin.  This always brings me back to my childhood when my brothers and I would gather around and watch my dad carve our family pumpkin.  It was always so fascinating to watch as my father carved and the design took shape.  Go ahead, carve your own pumpkin.  
8. Celebrate Octoberfest!  Find a festival near by that celebrates or create your very own.  Try different beers you never had before and pick your favorite one.  
9. Collect different pieces of nature like acorns and pinecones to decorate your home with. I love having pieces of the outside inside.  Nature is grounding to me and you will find little bits and pieces of it scattered throughout my space.
10. Get outside and capture the colors.  Nature has really put on a spectacular show.  Get out there and appreciate it.  

Fall is fleeting.  It seems to take a bit of time to get here and then as soon as you notice it the cold air rushes in.  Take the time to savor the precious moments that fall brings.  How do you celebrate fall?  Do you have an traditions or special celebrations that turn to each fall?  I would love to hear about them!