3 Fun Things to Prep for Autumn | Writing Between Pauses

I will probably write something equivalent in every blog post I write for the next month, but: this is a really challenging time for everyone, especially here on the West Coast. Things have been challenging and difficult for months now, but it feels like things are compacting, right? Getting tighter. More restrictive. In the words of my mother-in-law, “I’m sick of this shit.”

I recently read a tweet, however, that said something like this: it’s possible to feel just as happy drinking your coffee and watering your plants as it is to go on a dream vacation. Joy is joy, and however you’re able to feel it, let yourself take a taste of it and really feel that joy.

You know what brings me joy?

Wait for it…

Autumn.

I knew you would know, especially if you know me. I love Autumn. I love pumpkins. I love the anticipation of the season, helping Fo pick his costume. I love everything about the season.

That’s probably why this is so hard right now. It’s chillier outside here in Oregon, but only because the smoke is literally blocking the sun and keeping the air colder below it. We can’t go outside—so no apple picking, no pumpkin patch visits, nothing.

But that won’t stop me from finding joy in this season. I can be just as happy buying a pumpkin from the grocery store, decorating my house with what I already have.

So, without further ado, here are 3 fun ways to prep for Autumn. I hope they bring you a little joy!

1. Decorate Your House

I love decorating for Autumn and Halloween. I know it’s not the most popular holiday to decorate for or season to decorate for, but it’s growing in popularity. And, quite frankly, it’s really fun. Nothing makes your house feel cozier.

I have a good stockpile of my favorite decorations and I try not to buy a ton every year. However, I did buy a new, shallow wooden basket for our coffee table and some fake mini pumpkins to fill it. It cost $9 in total—which is a steal, to be honest.

Doing little things to bring you joy is important. Get out the candles, find some little pumpkins, and go wild.

2. Bake Some Cookies

It goes without saying: baking makes your house smell good.

Candles help too. But there is something about the smell of baking cookies.

My favorite recipe right now is the TikTok cookie recipe: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1 cup of chocolate chips. It’s just so… easy. We make these a lot for Forrest—he’s always in the mood for a cookie and he’s been holding steady at 31 pounds for a year and a half now, so we need him to bulk up—and they make the house smell good.

But whatever cookie you choose, this is a great way to get in the spirit, forget the world for a little while, and have some fun. Plus, you get cookies at the end of it.

3. Have a Movie Night

I’m working on a list of Autumnal-but-not-spooky/scary/Halloween movies to watch with Forrest… because one of our favorite things to do right now is have a movie night. Make hot cocoa, pop some popcorn, put on a movie, and snuggle up under a blanket. It’s so cozy, so fun, and requires $0 and next to no effort.

If you don’t have a go to list of movies to watch for movie night, let me help you out. Here are a few of our favorites: