Savoring The Season | Autumn In New England Check List 2022

Happy first day of Fall! I honestly resisted the return of fall this year. With such a busy summer I feel like I missed out on summer moments and days in the sun and in the water. But I am so looking forward to falling into autumn’s coziness.

At the start of every season I create a check list for myself. It is important to note that this is not a to-do list. I don’t even have to do any of the items on this list if I don’t feel like it, but it is a list of things that I would be happy to do this season. It is more of a reminder to appreciate the season that is here and to focus on the simple things. Often, my list has a lot of repeats and traditions that I do year after year, but I also include new activities I want to try or ideas that motivate me to enjoy the season.

I have been celebrating my annual “autumn in New England” for quite some time (at least seven years) but I started sharing it on my blog as a mini series a few years ago in 2019. This is my fourth year. I hope that sharing my list will inspire you to make one of your own. And remember, it is dot a to-do list, but rather inspiration for enjoying the season. No guilt if you can’t complete it or do it all. Here is my list for 2022:

One. Watch Hocus Pocus. I do this every year, but with the sequel coming out I want to make sure I watch both. I’m going to have a mini movie marathon. Perhaps a Hocus Pocus party is in order.

Two. Pick a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. Matthew and I actually have not done this in years. I usually pick up pumpkins one way or another, but vising a patch is not something we have had time for.

Three. Create natural leaf art while out on a walk inspired by the artist Andy Goldsworthy.

Four. Make a dried apple and cinnamon garland.

Five. Make my autumn reading list.

Six. Read a spooky book. This is a big one for me. Besides a few classics, I tend to steer clear of “scary” or spooky books.

Seven. Learn how to make something new.

Eight. Spend a few days in Vermont or New Hampshire to appreciate the autumn season.

Nine. Learn about how to grow my own apple orchard. I don’t have a yard of my own yet, but I do hope to have a small home orchard one day. I figure that it is never too early to learn about something you’re passionate about, even if it might not happen for a couple more years.

Ten. Decorate my home for autumn in a simple and budget friendly way.