Autumn is a season I hold dear. There’s something about donning a cozy sweater and savoring a warm drink (I’m all in for pumpkin spice!) that brings joy. The vibrant foliage is mesmerizing, and I get genuinely excited about the upcoming holidays. However, when I recently searched for fun autumn activities to share with my children, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. There are countless lists out there: 75 Fall Activities to Try, 100 Essential Fall Crafts, and an overwhelming number of Local Fall Festivals.
As an introverted mom who often feels pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, these articles can be quite daunting. I want to create wonderful memories with my kids, but the thought of doing it all—especially things I have no talent for—can be overwhelming. This autumn, I’ve decided to take a step back and embrace a “Fall No-Thank-You List.” Would you like to join me? Here’s what I’m skipping this season:
1. Crafting Costumes from Scratch
I’ve attempted this in the past, and it resulted in tears (from both me and the kids) and costumes that were less than impressive. This year, I’m relying on online shopping to save my sanity. Maybe I’ll venture to a costume shop, but that’s a long shot.
2. Attend Every Festival and Carnival
Standing in line for ages with grumpy kids and spending a fortune on rides that make my head spin? I’ll do that once or twice, but I’m not committing to every single event in town.
3. Go Apple Picking
While I fondly remember taking my first child apple picking when he was under two, the long drive and the overabundance of apples—along with the hit to my wallet—make it less appealing now.
4. Overdo Decorations
I enjoy some autumn decor, like colorful mums and a few spooky accents. But turning my home into an autumn wonderland complete with corn husks and elaborate arrangements? Not going to happen.
5. Bake Everything
While I love a good pumpkin pie and easy pumpkin muffins (which the kids adore), I refuse to exhaust myself over complicated dishes that take ages to prepare. If it requires more than 20 minutes, it needs a guarantee that my kids will actually eat it.
6. Engage in Arts and Crafts
If my kids want to cut out pumpkins from construction paper, they can go for it. However, I lack the crafty gene and dislike the mess it creates. Framing their nature finds or making glittery decorations? Not on my agenda.
7. Force Joy in Every Moment
Autumn is sure to bring both delightful and challenging moments. When my kids are whining after a long trick-or-treating session or refusing to carry their heavy candy buckets, I won’t pretend to enjoy it. I’ll embrace the chaos and allow myself to feel whatever comes.
As I look forward to the autumn festivities, I acknowledge that things may not go as planned—someone might get sick right before Thanksgiving or a costume might fall apart last minute. By anticipating the hiccups, perhaps I can find joy in the unexpected.
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In summary, this autumn, I’m choosing to simplify my expectations, focusing on what truly matters—spending quality time with my kids and allowing space for the imperfect moments of life.
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