Breanna Swiech ‘26, Feature Editor
Sweater season, pumpkin spice, and cider mill donuts. It is no secret that fall is a beloved season by many, due in part to the stereotypes that are often correlated with it—the autumn aesthetic. When a person searches “fall aesthetic” on Pinterest, the first images that pop up are of pumpkin patches, golden leaves falling, a rainy day, and a book with a cup of coffee. Junior Lilah Birdyshaw said, “I love all things fall. The crunchy leaves and cool breeze just make me want to curl up with a book and some warm soup.” So, what is it about autumn that makes people fall in love with it?
The fall feeling is defined by a sense of coziness and nostalgia that cause memories of climbing on hay bales and trick-or-treating to resurface when the color of leaves changes. According to a CBC survey, autumn is America’s most loved season, with 45 percent of people voting for it as such, and summer and spring coming after, both around 24 percent. People whose lives are filled with stress and anxiety about school, work, sports, and relationships are able to embrace the comfortable aura of autumn because it allows them to take a deep breath and live in the present for a while. Everyone can relate to the desire to curl up with a blanket, sip on tea, and just relax for a few minutes.
This alluring aspect of fall can be shown through movies that are often associated with the season. Romantic movies like When Harry Met Sally include lots of neutral and warm colors with famous scenes of Harry and Sally walking through the park with red and orange leaves drifting from trees, making it a common appearance on the television screen during fall. Other movies, like Hocus Pocus and the Harry Potter series, conjure the nostalgia of being a kid and watching these movies for the first time. Senior Lauren MacDonald said, “I love fall because it’s a very comforting season. You can decorate, bake, and watch Gilmore Girls.” Baking is one of the many go-to fall activities that get people in the autumn spirit. Whether it is apple cider donuts, pumpkin muffins, or orange cranberry bread, dense baked goods with fruit to add a bit of brightness seems to be the theme of fall treats.
The other popular facet of fall is it being regarded as the season of change. New opportunities usher excitement for many, and fall is full of them. Both school and football start in the fall, dragging along plenty of activities like the beginning of school clubs and tailgates at football games, not to mention Halloween celebrations. Decorating, making costumes, and parties are exciting and give people reasons to get together and have a good time.
However, fall is sometimes not all it is cracked up to be. Despite romanticizing autumn and its fun activities, a brooding temper can come with the change to this colder season. So, while those who love fall may be having the time of their lives, others can experience a downward mood shift called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The increase in cold weather can cause people to lessen the amount they exercise because sometimes it is too cold to go outside. Exercise and activity releases endorphins, hormones that make people happy, so when people cannot exercise outside because of cold weather, they are deprived of much-needed endorphins used to boost their moods. Shorter daylight hours also cause a decrease in social interaction, another correlation to worse moods because social interaction is also connected to a strong mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the changing weather in colder seasons leads to irritability, fatigue, anxiousness, and loss of interest.
Therefore, while fall is the most loved season, it is important to stay moving and participate in activities, autumn-themed or otherwise, to keep mental health in good shape. Good ways to do this are appreciating the great outdoors and going on walks, staying in touch with family and friends, and finding hobbies that entertain oneself during the colder months. What isn’t there to love about fall? Crisp air and cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice and everything nice—stay busy and enjoy the nostalgic autumn aesthetic.
Lyon Life 