Save Autumn!

Around this time each year I start getting really excited about Autumn. There are many reasons for this, which I shall voice in a separate post.

I feel sorry for Autumn. It is the underdog of seasons. Nowadays we barely experience Autumn. We extend Summer for as long as possible, and the moment that illusion is no longer possible, we jump on the Christmas bandwagon. I know a good chunk of this is due to capitalism (Hallowe'en is not nearly as profitable as Christmas), but it still surprises me that people fall for it. And this is something that makes me really upset.

The reason I am such a huge advocate for Autumn is not because it is my favourite season (which it isn't), but because it is the underdog of seasons and it seriously needs defending. Save Autumn! It is a valid season with many, many good things.

Most people (my boyfriend included) don't get this. They ask me how could I possible yearn for the cold and the rain, and the lack of light. And true, I don't particularly enjoy any of those things. But that doesn't mean the season is without wonder and beauty.

The way I see it, people go straight from Summer to Christmas, and then straight to wishing it's Spring again, just so it can be Summer soon! We don't enjoy the seasons to their fullest, and then we wonder why times slips through our fingers!

So in an effort to stop this, I am fighting the trend by finding joy in every season. And trust me, it's not a hard task at all.

I love Autumn, when you can wear long sleeves again, cinnamon and pumpkin scented/flavoured stuff everywhere, when you start craving hot drinks and sleep snug under a proper duvet. When you celebrate Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.

I love Winter, with all the Christmas joy, snow, snuggling under a blanket, having hot apple cider and hearty food. Shepherd's pie with rosemary on top, lamb with mint jelly, crumbles, warm mince pies. And then the New Year, with its clean slate, new year new you stuff.

I love Spring, when everything blossoms to life again, days get longer, you Spring clean and declutter and you get more and more outdoors time. Picnics, walks and fresher food.

I love Summer, with its barbecues, cocktails and long and warm days. I like leaving the house without a coat, having Pimms on a Sunday, going to the beach and swimming in the sea.

And back to Autumn again.

Isn't this nice? Isn't this better?

This year, let's give Autumn a chance!