In case you just moved in from another planet (lucky you!), we’re in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic—you know, the kind that strikes once every 100 years and leaves us all scrambling to find a vaccine, adjust to a new normal, and basically survive. Just because Covid-19 has changed the daily norm, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of today. In fact, there’s no better season than this one to practice positivity and seek out joy. Even in a pandemic, there are easy, enjoyable, and effective ways to improve life and enjoy the season.
1. Seek Seasonal Fun
You can still go apple and pumpkin picking or get lost in a corn maze (socially distanced and/or masked, but still), enjoy pumpkin spice everything, make caramel apples and snickerdoodles, jump into a pile of leaves (sorry, neighbor!), and make a leaf scrapbook. Lots of towns are getting creative with pandemic-posed challenges, like with drive-through movie theaters, drive-through haunted houses, and awesomely decorated neighborhoods.
- Organic Authority offers 12 tips to pick out the perfect pumpkin.
- Modern Honey boasts the best snickerdoodle recipe (you decide!).
- CNN shares Tokyo’s (scary!) idea of a drive-in haunted house.
2. Reacquaint Yourself with Mother Nature
Remember, the original Mother you haven’t made time for because work/school/kids/errands/the sucking whirlpool of social media? She’s out there and waiting for you with open arms. Embrace her back! Fill your lungs with crisp air and your arms with gorgeous leaves. Go by yourself or bring along your family for some extra bonding time. Are you a walker, jogger, biker, hiker, horseback rider, or leaf-collector? It doesn’t matter! Nature and exercise both provide a plethora of physical and mental benefits. Get your butt out the door, girlfriend!
3. Get Creative
One of my favorite seasons is fall. Arts and crafts feel so autumnal, maybe because they’re so festive. With Halloween and Thanksgiving approaching, it’s never too early to pick out pumpkins and decorate your home with lots of fall cheer! You can also get into the seasonal spirit by indulging in seasonal movies, dances, treats, books, and other activities. Good Housekeeping shares 64 craft ideas to keep you creative all season long. Bustle has collected 15 creepy stories as the night grows dark and full of terrors. Mashable has you covered if you’re looking for Fall 2020’s most anticipated Netflix flicks.
- Good Housekeeping shares 64 craft ideas to keep you creative all season long.
- Bustle has collected 15 creepy stories as the night grows dark and full of terrors.
- Mashable has you covered if you’re looking for Fall 2020’s most anticipated Netflix flicks.
4. Treat Yourself!
For some of us, this means snuggling up in a cozy blanket with a cup of cocoa and a fantastic book. For others, it’s a seasonal movie marathon on Netflix. Or maybe savoring cider donuts or spicy apple cider. Or enjoying a long bubble-bath with cinnamon-scented candles and music. Or perhaps gathering with loved ones (virtually, if not in person). One thing’s for sure: ‘tis the season to treat yourself!
- Country Living offers 36 easy, healthy, and delicious fall recipes.
- Delish provides 79 mouthwatering dessert ideas.
- Time Magazine, Oprah, and Goodreads offer their take on this year’s most anticipated books.
5. Halloween at Home
Some people always preferred renting a scary movie or trading ghost stories and kicking back at home on Halloween. For the rest of us, there are still a lot of fun ways to have a spook-tacular holiday! Instead of trick-or-treating, make your own candy and “boo” your neighbors and friends by leaving these home-made batches on their doorstep with a sweet note. Have a costume contest over Zoom with extended family members or friends, and post up pics on social media to announce the winners. Festoon your home and lawn with your favorite Halloween décor and remind the world why this time of year is so awesome.
Here are 50 easy Halloween decorations by Woman’s Day to get you pumped!
Wrapping Up
This year hasn’t looked like any of us could have possibly imagined, but let’s not let that take the magic out of fall. We can adapt, celebrate, and enjoy this season, even if it looks different than we are used to. Let’s make new memories. Let’s embrace new traditions and experiences. Enjoy this season of the year for exactly what it is: an opportunity to grow and experience this special time of year in a way that we never have.
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