So, I think we can agree that whatever semblance of summer
2012 was offering up has indeed passed. Now, despite having about 4 sun-soaked
days this year, I’m still not upset by the passing of the season; as with the
changing times, brings Autumn (or “Fall”, to any Americans reading).
Autumn is my second favourite times of the year (the first
being the Christmas period for obvious reasons). I’ve had many discussions
lately about how excited I am for this time of year.
Autumn to me is putting on your coat, and scarf before
stepping outside where the air isn’t too cold, but just icy enough to pinch
your cheeks. All the trees suddenly burn with oranges and reds and when the
leaves fall to the ground, even the most cynical person can’t help but smile at
the crunch beneath their feet. Children rake up the fallen foliage and jump in
the beds of leaves, then scramble to re-structure. Back at home, my favourite
thing about Autumn in my village is one particular tree. I don’t know the name
of it, but all year round the leaves are purple, and amongst the others, it
just looks beautiful.
Autumn also re-ignites my love of cinnamon. Suddenly all
warm drinks, be it coffee, hot chocolate or apple juice must be flavoured with it.
Walking round Leeds at this time, the street vendors always carry some, and
that smell just fills me with happiness. There is something about that taste
and smell that is synonymous with those last months of the year.
Returning home at the end of the day and taking off coats
and hats and scarves, then quickly grabbing the seat nearest to the radiator
trying to warm up; it’s just a time that seems very traditional to me. I think there
is something very nostalgic and classic about Autumn that reminds me that so
many of the things that make us happy come from places that are so small, be it
the colour of the leaves, or that sense of home. It takes away the need or want
for “more” that summer brings. In a cliché-d, romanticised view of the world,
Autumn humbles me, and reminds me that I don’t need a lot to make me happy.
Just the falling leaves, and the smell of cinnamon in the air.
