“Fall is overrated” is a phrase you will never hear me say. If you disagree, go argue with a wall.
There’s just something about fall that makes me feel so much calmer. Maybe it’s because I’m not overstimulated by the scorching heat, or maybe it’s because I have an excuse to wear a nice sweater.
Hot take, but fall has the best fashion. Not only can I throw on a sweater but if I’m feeling extra snug, I can put on a hoodie and sweatpants. Honestly, it’s the best combination. Plus, there’s nobody in my ear saying, “Why are you wearing that? It’s so hot out.”
There’s also a certain smell that’s hard to explain. The scent of burnt wood mixed with the cold air. Everything just smells cleaner and crisper.
Of course, not everyone feels the same way. They’ll say that fall is too cold or its days are too short. Or that the season has become overly romanticized.
I’m sorry, but those people are missing the point.
What makes fall so special isn’t just the crisp air or changing leaves. It’s the memories people make together. Whether that be going to pumpkin patches, watching football or getting together to watch a scary movie.
Adeline Vinson, a first-year middle/secondary education and Spanish double major, shared that her favorite fall activity is going to the pumpkin patch.
“My family goes every year,” Vinson said. “There’s a big group of us that always goes together, and it’s just a fun tradition. I look forward to that.”
I have my own fall traditions that I look forward to every year. When NFL season rolls around, I get to spend time with my dad while we both scream at the Minnesota Vikings defense. No matter how long the games are, watching them is something I’m always anxious to experience.
Fall also means it’s time to rewatch Gilmore Girls, my mom’s favorite show. Watching it makes me feel closer to her, and it gives me an excuse to be lazy while catching up with her about life.
For the director of student advocacy Jules Grable, the season means trick-or-treating with her two children and ending the night with a cozy family tradition.
“I think our biggest tradition is trick or treating with my kids,” Grable said. “And when we come back, we make grilled cheese and tomato soup and watch [‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’.]”
Of course, fall isn’t just about spending time with family. It’s also a great time to be with friends.
Senior biology major Olivia Vogel said the best thing about fall is getting together with her friends.
“I do love a good pumpkin carving with friends,” Vogel said. “That’s always a really good time. I also will, on occasion, have soup parties with my friends. So we’ll all make our favorite kind of soup. It’s like a soup potluck. I love it.”
Butler also offers various activities. Students can take a stroll to Holcomb Gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Or recently, Butler hosted Family Weekend that included the fall market, tailgating and a s’mores night with ResCo faculty in residences.
The season doesn’t just stop there. It also brings two of the best holidays: Halloween and Thanksgiving.
First-year biology major Charlotte Stonebraker is a big fan of Halloween.
“I love everything about horror and pumpkins and the leaves changing,” Stonebraker said. “I also love scary movies and haunted houses. It’s so fun.”
It’s awesome to be able to dress up with friends and go to parties. Handing out candy to little kids is also very fun because they’re so cute with their pirate and princess costumes.
Butler students can get in on the Halloween fun too, with campus events and activities that bring the spooky season to life.
Bulldogs for Universal Design hosts a Halloween party every year that includes costume contests, trick-or-treating with other clubs and pumpkin painting. President Danko also hosts an annual open house to kick off the holiday. Students can enjoy lawn games, refreshments and guaranteed fun.
You can also enjoy a free movie at the Butlers Arts & Event Center. This year’s movie pick is “Hocus Pocus”.
Thanksgiving is a blast, too. Butler students get one whole week off, and we have the opportunity to spend time with our families while eating the traditional Thanksgiving foods: turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.
Everything about fall is so magical. I’ve always thought of fall as a season of change. A new beginning. That’s the real reason why I love this season.
Grable shares a similar perspective on the season.
“I think fall teaches us that it can be really beautiful to let go,” Grable said. “Sometimes we can get really caught up in doing all of the things and trying to be everything to everybody, but the leaves let go every year, and it’s stunning and beautiful.”
As deep as it is, it’s true. Sometimes people are too held up on the past. Fall gives us a reason to let go of that and focus on what we already have. How lovely is that?
There are reasons why you don’t hear many people saying, “fall sucks.” It’s perfect. Not only are there many activities to do and memories to make, but it’s also a time to slow down, be present and appreciate the little things.