Celebrating fall in warm weather

Raising a family where the weather is typically warmer than the rest of the country can pose some challenges, especially when it comes to celebrating fall or other cooler weather parties. The leaves generally do not change color. The weather is mild on 80 degree days on any given day and there is only a hint of fall on cold 60 degree mornings. There are not many leaves to rake and there is no need to fan the chimneys. Sweaters hardly see the light of day.

So what can you do to celebrate the change and beauty of the seasons?

Create new traditions that your family will appreciate. Family traditions are important. If you have transitioned from a cold climate to a warm one and are not doing your normal activities, find out how you can modify them to suit your new situation.

• Attend a fall festival or plan one on your own. If you look, you’re sure to find a local church fall festival, corn maze, hayride, or bon fire nearby. If you can’t find one, create your own and invite your friends and neighbors. Make it an annual event.
• Decorate your home with seasonal colors and scents. Pumpkins, turkeys, vine wreaths, and faux fall leaves can be found in droves at your local arts and crafts store. Be sure to check out the discount or overstock stores in your area. Emulate the scents of fall by purchasing candles, potpourri, cakes or oil with a delicious vanilla, cinnamon, apple or pumpkin fragrance. If you don’t like candles, but you still want your home to smell like fall, why don’t you think about baking a bit?
• Prepare delicious treats. Cooking brings the family together, so pick out some of your favorite recipes and start baking. Gather everyone in the kitchen and bake a batch of Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Bars, Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Raisin Oatmeal Cookies. The most important thing is spending time together. By making candy-making a group effort, you’ve succeeded and created a delicious dessert.

While it can be challenging to celebrate fall when it’s still hot and always green outside, it can be done. It can be fun. And it will smell and taste delicious!