What I Love About Autumn

It's that time of year again! Autumn is my favorite season (I can't say it's my favorite time of year because Christmas is my favorite time of year, but Christmas is not a season, so this is all logical to me). I love, love, love autumn. When I go outside in the morning and the air is crisp and cool and there's a tiny bit of a nippy wind ... mmmm! I love it! It makes me feel blissful. It makes me want to start dancing in the chilly wind, but don't worry, I won't embarrass you by actually dancing.
Here are my favorite things about autumn, in reverse order; you gotta save the best for last.

10. Hot drinks. Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee simply taste better when it's a little chilly outside.


9. Wearing warm pajamas
 Isn't this picture hilarious? Can you imagine buying his 'n' hers matching footie pajamas?

8. Thanksgiving. A holiday dedicated to eating ... I mean, to being thankful for all we have: yes please!

7. Snuggling up under a blanket and bedspread when I go to bed

6. Pulling my cool-weather clothes from the closet: those cozy long-sleeved shirts, fabulous scarves, adorable jackets, and fashionable close-toed shoes.

5. Soups. I really enjoy eating hot soups and chilis when it's cold outside, especially with some nice crunchy bread. And there are just so many soup and chili recipes and variations, it'll never get old.

4. The smells: pumpkin-scented candles, and winter berry soaps, cinnamon, nutmeg ... mmmmmmm


3. The fact that Christmas is just around the corner.

2. The weather. (Now, admittedly, since I'm in Alabama, the weather really is nice. If I lived in Minnesota or Canada, I'd probably be miserable). I can't say how much I love that crispness, the coolness, the drop in humidity, that little bit of cold.

And the number 1 reason I love autumn is:
1. The leaves. Oh, I love the leaves. They are so beautiful. Literally, when I'm driving down certain roads and on the freeway, I say (repeatedly) "Oh my gosh, that's so beautiful." (The kids started tuning me out after the first eight times I said it). I love the red maple leaves. There are lots of maples around here, and they are, quite simply, gorgeous. There are several oak trees, and their leaves get yellow. I love to see them changing. The colors are so, so beautiful.

What are your favorite things about autumn? Share here!