I have to say that falling makes me feel the most. It is a time when I can lean on the comforts of life. However, more than that, the fall allows me to be still. I can embrace moments of complete stillness—those that may feel out of step with the dynamic energy and vibration of the warmer months. Starting in September, I start to slow down. The journey ends, and I once again see the importance of staying home, going within, and connecting with what feels nourishing and authentic. It is in the cool air, the changing light, and the rustling of the leaves outside my window that I rediscover the beauty of simplicity. It is for those reasons that deepening my understanding of how to fall in love has become a priority.
The world feels soft and purposeful. I find myself enjoying the little moments that often disappear in the hustle and bustle of summer—a quiet morning with a cup of tea, the golden hue of the afternoon light, or the simple comfort of a new book. Autumn invites reflection, restoration, and a kind of existence that feels strong and tender, reminding me that there is beauty in allowing life to unfold at its own pace.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Make Your Life Love
Throughout my career as a writer, I’ve learned to moderate my skepticism of trends while not writing them off completely. While some may roll their eyes at wanting to love everything, I find it a refreshing illustration of the many ways people approach opportunities to make life so much better. And even though there are many realities about our lives that feel more boring than meaningful, I believe there is always an opportunity to incorporate purpose into each day.
Falling in love is not about running away from reality, but about increasing our awareness of it.
Fall, in particular, offers endless opportunities to embody that goal. It’s a ripe season for the senses—the smell of cinnamon, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the warmth of a favorite sweater being pulled from the back of the closet. There is something undeniably poetic about these traditions, and I have come to realize that falling in love is not about running away from reality, but about heightening our awareness of it. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary and choosing to celebrate the small, simple joys that keep us grounded in the present.
How to Love Fall: 30 Ideas to Help You Cozy Up
If you’re ready to embrace the magic of the season, here are 30 ways to bring more love into your fall days.
1. Enjoy a cup of chai by the window. Let the warm spices envelop you as you watch the leaves fall like a slow, golden rain. This is my favorite recipe—spicy and sweet.
2. Light a candle early in the morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love to sleep. But in the fall, there’s also something magical about leaning into this peaceful practice that brings a soft glow to the quiet of your waking hours.
3. Take a sunset cruise. The fading light and rustling leaves make the perfect backdrop for an evening reset.
4. Bake pumpkin bread. Fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and ginger straight from the oven. Camille’s pumpkin bread recipe is the best I’ve come across.
5. Take a serious poem. Discover a new favorite poet or revisit someone you’ve loved reading in the past. While her writing resonates throughout the year, I love spending time browsing Mary Oliver’s poetry. Keats also captures the essence of the fall with perfect, poetic precision.
6. Write a letter to a friend by hand. There’s something timeless about putting pen to paper in a season about slowing down.
7. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and watch an old movie. Let nostalgia take over as you curl up with a favorite old tea, warm in hand. These are our favorite fall movies—I’ve watched them Love story twice since the beginning of September.
8. Collect the fallen leaves and press them into the book. Capture the fleeting beauty of autumn by keeping its colors between the pages. It’s a beautiful, practical experience that you can return to throughout the year.
9. Have a bonfire night with friends. Gather around the warmth of a crackling fire, share stories and sip mulled wine.
10. Take a drive to see the changing leaves. Let it be a reminder of the beauty of change.
11. Pick apples from a local orchard. Embrace the fresh air and fresh harvest as you gather fruit to turn into homemade pies.
12. Enjoy a weekend getaway to the mountains. Escape to a small house surrounded by tall trees and cool air, where time seems to stand still.
13. Create a fall playlist. Fill your home with acoustic music and moody tunes that echo the tranquility of autumn. This is my quintessential fall vibe.
14. Decorate your home with seasonal flowers. Bring in the beauty of chrysanthemums, dahlias, and sunflowers to brighten up your space.
15. Wear your favorite oversized sweater all day. Is there anything better than the feeling of being enveloped in warmth while the cool air blows outside?
16. Visit a farmer’s market and pick up seasonal produce. Fresh squash, root vegetables, and apples—ingredients that make every fall meal feel special. Consult our guide to the best fall, mid-season products.
17. Wake up early to watch the sunrise. The soft morning light of autumn is the perfect reminder to slow down and enjoy new beginnings.
18. Make homemade spiced cider. Don’t deny it: we all crave the smell of boiling cloves and orange peel. Enjoy a cuppa and your favorite book.
19. Use afternoon journaling. At home or in a cozy coffee shop you can find. Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink and let your thoughts flow.
20. DIY an autumn wreath for your front door. A simple, beautiful way to welcome the season and its guests into your home.
21. Walk in the morning in the fresh air. Feel the refreshing bite of fall as you walk quiet streets or nature trails.
22. Make a gratitude list at the end of each day. Fall is a time for reflection, and writing down what you’re thankful for can make each day feel richer.
23. Throw a cozy dinner party with seasonal dishes. Invite your closest friends over to share a meal that celebrates the flavors of fall.
24. Rearrange your space with warm fabrics. Layer your home with soft blankets, woolen throws, and plush pillows to enhance its fall warmth. Follow these tips to make your home a real cozy place.
25. Visit a local bookstore and get a new fall read. There’s nothing like getting lost in a story while the outside world turns to gold.
26. Create a gallery wall of your favorite fall moments. Fill your space with memories of past autumns—polaroids, pressed leaves, and snapshots of joy.
27. Pack a picnic with cozy blankets and thermoses of soup. Take your meal outside and let the fresh air and bright colors make for a great day. Get our favorite soup recipes—and get ready to relax.
28. Spend a night gazing at the stars. The calm calm of the night sky in autumn offers a rare moment of reflection and dreaming.
29. Bake an apple pie from scratch. Is there anything more fall than making the perfect autumnal dessert? The process of peeling, cutting, and assembling reminds you that some of the most enjoyable things in life are simple. This apple pie recipe will inspire all your weekend baking sessions.
30. Create a seasonal ideas board. Fill it with pictures, quotes, and inspiration that reflect the goals you want to set for the fall. This is a good place to start.