It’s my second year of teaching and I am no longer an NQT so that means that I have less paperwork to do – huzzah! And with it being back to school, that means that soon we will leave summer behind and enter autumn.
Last year was all about not planning much due to the COVID pandemic, but I am feeling a lot more optimistic this
So without further ado, here is my annual ABCs of Autumn.
ABCs of Autumn
Apple cider flavoured everything. It’s not very common but I love proper American apple cider (cider isn’t alcohol in America which is a shock to UK readers; it’s more like a super rich, spicy version of cloudy apple juice), apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar, apple cider cakes….
Bonfire Night. It has now been two years and I need to find one in the local area. And attend it whilst eating a jacket potato and mulled wine.
Christmas shopping. That’s right, everyone. I’m one of those annoying people who likes to have it all done pre-December.
Daydream about travel. I want to plan somewhere special to ring in the new year! As well as book somewhere fantastic for the Easter holidays.
Evenings in. There’s no better excuse to curl up at home under a blanket than the fact that the daylight is getting shorter and much colder.
Foliage. I love when the leaves change colour and there are pops of vibrant reds, oranges and yellow around. (I just dislike when they fall off the trees altogether and we are surrounded by bareness.)
Go to a pick your own farm. And find some tasty apples and maybe a pumpkin or two. And an extra gourd. This was off the table with COVID last year, but I know there must be some near me- I am now in farm country!
Halloween! Usually, my Halloweens in the UK are fairly low-key, but I love Halloween.
Invite people round. It’s time to have some houseguests in my new location. Because I move in the 2nd (?) Lockdown, I’ve lived here for a year now without ever having an overnight guest.
Jumping in leaf piles is still socially acceptable once you’re in your early 30s, right?
Keep running and exercising. I developed a really positive exercise routine over the summer and lockdown and I want to keep it up. I’ve also been attending barre class and doing yoga.
Lesson plan. I want to get ahead on all my rough planning for the term.
Movie marathons. Scary movies around Halloween, and then after that the inaugural Harry Potter movie marathon. (To see how many times I inevitably cry.)
Nourish all things cultural. I will be in a show that opens in November, I have tickets to a music gig tonight, and lots of theatre trips lined up for the next few months.
Open fires. Autumn always makes me think of my very first few months in England (I moved abroad early autumn). The change of seasons will always make me feel nostalgic for a big open fire in a pub in Hampstead Village.
Pumpkin in all things. It’s my inner-American coming out but I’m obsessed with all things pumpkin flavour. I’ve had some tinned pumpkin saved up for ages so I’ll use it asap.
Quiet time. School years are very busy so I’m looking forward to some quiet weeknight evenings at home.
Read ghost stories. I always love a good spooky tale or movie, but I especially love curling up with a creepy read whilst the rain is lashing against the window.
Scarves, jumpers, boots. Cozy clothing that makes me feel snuggly and safe, for the win!
Thanksgiving. This will be my 12th Thanksgiving in the UK which seems incredible! Because of my PGCE and ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’ the year before, and COVID last year, I didn’t have the chance to celebrate properly for the past two years, so I’d love to make a proper meal this year.
Understand the power of positivity. I’ve really been trying to adjust my natural pessimistic attitude.
Veg. I love all the hearty veg that is in season over the Autumn. Ultimate comfort foods! Roasted veg is the absolute best. Roasted broccoli? Roasted butternut squash? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Walks outside. I like walking all the time, but there’s something especially magical about being out in nature in the crisp air and light mist. But now I have a completely new area to discover, which is quite exciting.
Xylophone band practice. You should hear new Cambridgeshire group. We are definitely gearing up for our jamboree!
Yoga classes. I’m hoping to dedicate more time to Yoga with Adriene at least a few evenings a week.
Zzzz. Sleeping in the Autumn is so much more satisfying than summer sleeps. Just think about how hard it is to leave your warm and cozy duvet.
What are you looking forward to this season?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
ABCs of Autumn (2020)
ABCs of Autumn (2019)
Making the Most of Autumn
ABCs of Autumn (2018)
ABCs of Autumn (2017)
ABCs of Autumn (2016)
ABCs of Autumn (2015)
ABCs of Autumn (2014)
ABCs of Autumn (2013)
