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Celebrating the end of summer
Celebrating the end of summer means saying goodbye to long, sunny days and warm evenings spent outdoors. But it also means welcoming a new season with open arms. The changing of seasons is a time for celebration and reflection, as you look back on all the fun activities that made summer great while looking forward with excitement about what’s in store come fall! So let’s look at ways to celebrate summer’s end and the upcoming fall season.
Marking the change of seasons
So, why celebrate the end of a season? For one, it’s a time to give thanks for all the good things that summer brought. It’s also a time to start looking forward to the future and all the new experiences that await you.
The changing of seasons is a reminder that life is constantly moving and evolving, so it’s an excellent time to take stock of where you are and set some goals for where you want to be. Looking back on summer and setting intentions for fall is a great way to stay mindful and appreciate all the changes that happen around us.
Ways to celebrate the end of summer
I’m happy to live in a place with four distinct seasons, but even if that doesn’t happen where you live, you can still make a point of marking the changing of the seasons. Set an intention to make the most of these last weeks of summer and savor all this season has to offer.
Here are some ways to celebrate the end of summer:
Start a new end-of-summer tradition
A great way to mark the end of every season (and welcome a new one) is by coming up with fun and exciting traditions. Traditions bring people together and create lasting memories. So, if you don’t already have an end-of-summer tradition, now is the perfect time to start one! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Make picnics a regular thing
Late summer evenings were made for picnics. There’s something magical about packing up your favorite foods, finding the perfect spot outside, and enjoying a meal under the sky. Whether you’re picnicking solo or with a group, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy an afternoon.
• Take an annual hike
Go for a hike and enjoy the beautiful summertime scenery one last time before the leaves start to change color. So put on your hiking boots and explore all the trails your area has to offer before summer turns into fall. Who knows, you might even find a new favorite spot to visit again in a few weeks when the leaves are in full autumnal glory.
• Make a yearly visit to a local orchard or farm
What better way to celebrate the end of summer than by indulging in all the delicious fruits and vegetables that are still in season? Make a trip to your local orchard or farm and stock up on fresh produce.
• Host a Labor day dinner party
Labor day weekend is the perfect time to have all your friends and family over for a big end-of-summer bash. Barbecue, pool party, potluck? Whatever fits!
You can reminisce about the fun you had this year and make plans for next year. Plus, there’s nothing like a good meal to help you appreciate all things summertime. So, fire up the grill, break out the beers, and enjoy a fun backyard party.
• Take an end-of-summer weekend road trip
Another way to make the most of these final days is to start an end-of-summer road trip tradition. Whether you go with friends or family, pack your car with all the essentials: snacks, games, music, and a sense of adventure. And don’t forget to capture pics of all the memories (and share them on Instagram, of course). With a bit of planning, you can turn your end-of-summer blues into an annual adventure that you’ll always look forward to.
Celebrating with summertime foods
Each season has a menu of its own. As summer comes to an end, we’ll start saying goodbye to the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season now and hello to all the fall flavors. Make sure to enjoy all your favorite summery foods while you still can! Here are a few ideas:
• Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad: This light and refreshing salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious summer tomatoes.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Corn is one of those classic summertime foods. And there’s nothing quite like grilled corn on the cob.
• Peach Cobbler: This fruit cobbler is the perfect way to enjoy fresh peaches. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll be in summer dessert heaven.
• Homemade ice cream: This will go perfectly with that peach cobbler!
• Watermelon Agua Fresca: This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day.
Make a few more summer memories
There are still a few weeks left to enjoy everything that makes summer great. So get out there and make some more memories! Here are a few ideas:
• Take a day trip.
Day trips are the best. You get to explore something new without committing to a whole vacation. Whether it’s a historic site, a nature preserve, or just a small town you’ve always wanted to visit, just throw some snacks in a bag, and hit the road for a few hours.
• Spend a day at the beach (or river or lake or creek)
Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun. So grab your swimsuit and head to the nearest body of water for a day of sun, sand, and water.
• Go camping
Camping trips are always memorable. Whether everything goes right or wrong, you’ll gain some good stories. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in your own yard or venturing out into the wilderness for a weekend.
• Visit the park
Sometimes the best summer memories are made close to home. So get outside and explore your neighborhood park. Channel your inner child and have some fun on the swings or just go for a stroll. It’s a great way to get some fresh air (and maybe meet some neighbors.)
• Have a backyard movie night.
Set up a projector and screen in your backyard and invite your friends for a movie night. Add a few lawn chairs or blankets to make things extra cozy. And don’t forget the popcorn!
• Stay up late and watch the stars
Before too long, the evenings will be too cold for comfort. So take advantage of the warm nights and stay up late to watch the stars. Spread out a blanket, lie down, and look up.
Saying hello to autumn
Saying goodbye to summer may feel a bit bittersweet. Still, it’s also a time to get excited about all the beautiful things that autumn has to offer. Fall is a time for cozy fires, warm drinks, and beautiful scenery. So embrace the change of seasons. Here are a few things I’m looking forward to this fall:
Wearing sweaters and jackets again
I love layers. And I love nothing more than breaking out my sweaters and jackets when the weather starts to cool down.
Pumpkin spice everything
Even though I admit that it’s been done to death, I still look forward to pumpkin spice. Lattes, candles, you name it. Pumpkin spice is basically the official flavor of fall.
The leaves changing color
From those first glimpses of a red leaf here and there to the trees being ablaze with color, watching the leaves turn is something to look forward to.
All the soup!
Soups, stews, chili. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm soup on a cool day.
Open windows and fresh air
After a long, hot summer, I always look forward to opening the windows and letting some fresh air into the house. That first crisp autumn breeze…
Fall scents
I’m big about making sure my home smells nice and welcoming, but summer scents just don’t do it for me. Fall scents are much more my style! I love candles with scents like cinnamon, apple, maple, and pumpkin.
Football season
I love football. I do. Football season is the best, from tailgating to cheering on your team from home.
All the autumn activities
There are so many great things to do in the fall. Go apple picking, visit a pumpkin patch, or take a hayride. There are also tons of festivals and fairs celebrating the harvest. And, of course, Halloween!
Goodbye summer, hello fall
Embrace the change of seasons and all the wonderful things that come with it. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the last few weeks of summer. And before you know it, fall will be here with all its beautiful scents, flavors, and activities. So enjoy every moment!
