Autumn is quickly approaching and I don’t think anyone would argue with the sentiment that it has been quite an interesting year so far. There’s a joke floating among the recesses of the internet claiming that March 2020 has been the longest month in existence. With various strategies kept in place, hopefully most people have been able to appreciate the passing of the seasons; summer is always short in New York State, but somehow just feels shorter this year more than ever. And with summer coming to an end, enter fall.
Fall, with its change of foliage, cooler days, pumpkin-spice galore! There’s a good chance that you know someone in your life who is “totally obsessed” with Fall. You still have to bear in mind though, that the world is still encumbered by a pandemic. The following are some fall activities you can engage in to make sure that you continue to remain safe and healthy.
- Go apple picking (socially distanced, of course)
- Take a hike
- Drink hot apple cider
- Take a drive to check out the changing leaves
- Make a big pot of chili
- Ready a spooky story
- Carve or decorate pumpkins
- Enjoy pumpkin spice everything
- Write down what you’re thankful for
- Bake an apple or pumpkin pie
- Trade in your sandals for a cute pair of boots
- DIY a cool Halloween costume (and then do a family photoshoot)
- Pick out a new cozy sweater
- Make caramel apples
- Savor a cider doughnut
- Enjoy some homemade soup with a grilled cheese
- Learn to knit
- Create a fall-themed wreath
- Snuggle under a cozy blanket with a cup of tea and a good book
- Rake together a pile of leaves—then leap into it
- Deck your halls (and your yard) with a little spooky decor
- Make snickerdoodles
- Make a delicious beef stew
- Get a head start on your holiday shopping (someone say online shopping?)
- Boo your neighbors by sneaking little treats to their doorstep
- Watch all the old Halloween TV specials
- Have a marathon of Halloween movies on Netflix
- Vote!
- Adorn your table with gourds
- Collect the prettiest fall leaves and preserve them
- Gather with loved ones (in person, if it’s safe, or virtually) to give thanks
As an added bonus, here’s a fun and easy craft you can do with the kids!
Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 2 tbsp. cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- red & yellow food coloring
Mix together the flour, salt, cream of tartar and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan. Slowly stir in the oil, water and vanilla extract. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the mixture orange. Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly, until dough becomes a stiff playdough consistency. Allow 15-20 minutes to cool before playing as the dough will be very hot!
By: Marion R. White, MHC-LP, EAP Counselor