Autumn Falls...

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.