Autumn Traditions

I would love to share some family traditions but honestly I have none. I have a large family but over the years all have sorta went their separate ways. I would really love for my girls to have wonderful family memories attached to each season. Instead of just accepting our lack of family time I will change this. This year I decided that we will start our own traditions. Not only am I teaching my girls family time is important but I'm also teaching to never accept whats in front of you but make your own path.  

After much researching I have come up with a great bucket list of autumn traditions I would love to keep. Enjoy!

1. Autumn Cleaning-Perfect time to pack away all your summer clothes and get out your winter items. Bring out those warm sweaters, wool socks, scarves and rubber boots. Perfect time to donate what you don't wear or out grow.

2.  Bake more-Not only is homemade baked food the best but it also heats up your home and adds a lovely scent.  Nothing beats the smell of freshly made bread! Try out new recipes using the freshest seasonal produce. Make sure to use Fall cookie cutters if making cookies!

3.  Winter Garden-Time to pull all those spring plants and replace with winter hearty plants. There's so many things you can grow in the winter so be brave and grow things new!

4.  Indoor Picnicing-Yes even in the Fall you can have a great picnic right in your home. Gather your favorite quilt, make some hot chocolate and eat some warm heart foods. 

5. Soups soups soups-There's nothing better on a cold yucky day than a big bowl of homemade soup. Make it a challenge to try a new one each time.  

6. Neighborhood Strolls-Go for a walk in your neighborhood.  Better yet visit a neighborhood not so close and have fun looking at different homes and decorations.  I really love walking around looking at homes.  I get so many great idea's on paint colors, decorations and garden ideas.

7.  New Findings-Don't be scared to try new things. When your in a coffee shop try their latest seasonal drink. Restaurant having a special of the week try it out. Maybe a new Fall candle or even a new lotion.  Try something new thats seasonal and have fun with it. 

8.  Seasonal Cooking-Instead of planning your meals plan your meals around whats in season.  Check out your closest local farmers market/farm and buy whats in season and on sale.  Then look up recipes and try to make your meal around the produce.  Not only are you supporting a local farmer but your saving money and eating the freshest produce possible. 

9.  Seasonal Picking-Want to save yourself even more money? Try picking your own produce at a local farm. Ask friends or get online to research local farms. When you pick the produce yourself you save so much more money and you get the freshest produce possible.  Bring the kids and make it a experience.  

10.  Sports Time-Nothing beats a cold day snuggling up in your blanket watching a good soccer game (go TIMBERS!!!). Or whatever sport you want. Go air pop some popcorn or grab a local brew. Enjoy!

11.  Seasonal Decorating-On the first day of Fall go grab your Fall decorations and have fun with the kids. Try putting things in a different spot than the previous year. To top it off light a Fall scented candle and put on some music.  Lets not forget outside decorations as well!

12.  Outdoor Fun-Go for walks each day. Heck go for a hike if you can.  Just get outside and enjoy the season. See the changes, smell the changes and feel the changes of the season.

13.  Autumn Treasure Hunting-While on your walks/hike gather nature along the way. Kids can use leaves that have fallen and use them to do art work.  Pinecones can be used as decorations in your home or even as fire starters.  Let the kids bring a bag and gather things that remind them of the season.  

14.  Booed-First I've heard of this but looks exciting. Basically you  bring some goodies to a neighbor, put up a sign stating they have been booed and to boo someone else. What a fun idea this is! You can make your own signs or print some out here.  Its a great way to get to know your neighbors and spread some cheer. 

15.  Cornucopia Fun-In Greek Mythology its been said that Amalthea broke off one of her horns and offered it to Zeus the ruler of gods.  Somehow it ended up that people fill a cornucopia with seasonal produce and ate it as time went by. This could be fun with the kids. Fill it with apples, oranges and fruit that keeps for a long time. Let the kids eat it as time goes. Don't have a cornucopia? Make one from paper! 

16.  Make a cornhusk doll-You can find easy directions to make them here.  Try to use things you have and get creative! 

17.  Dia De Los Muertus-Otherwise known as day of the dead.  Let the kids raid your recycling and try to make some day of the dead decorations. Heck take them to a lost loved ones grave. Celebrate them by cleaning the grave and leaving decorations.  You don't have to have Mexican roots to do this one people. Anyone can celebrate a loved ones life. 

And there you go.  All these idea's can be free and save you money.  Remember to be kind to the earth and use what you have. But most of all enjoy the season 100% each time it comes. Then you can look forward to it next year. 

Peace!