The Small Things I Like About Autumn by Richard O. '28

Autumn is arguably one of the best seasons there is, especially here in Cambridge. As someone who loves scenic views to take pictures, the colors of fall leaves mixed in with the unique and historic buildings across both our campus and Boston create a beautiful canvas and culture that I’ve come to fall in love with.  And recently, I’ve been trying to take more time to acknowledge all the small things around me that I enjoy but don’t really take the time to recognize, so below are some of the few things that make the fall season such a significant time of year for me.

The Leaves: One of the most memorable experiences about fall on the East Coast is watching the leaves change color.  The yellow, brown, and orange of the leaves, for me, always adds a new type of warmth to the world that makes everything feel so vibrant despite the decaying foliage that is almost impossible not to take a picture of when you walk by. (Check out Janet’s recent post to see what the fall colors look like here on campus). 

Fall Flavors: Walk into any coffee shop or cafe during the fall months, and they’ll be sure to have new menu items that mix in either Apple, Cinnamon, or Pumpkin flavors in a number of unique ways. I always find a sense of coziness whenever I’m enjoying something that uses one of the three – and also find myself consuming a little too much of it too.

Fall Clothes: I love sweatshirts, I love jackets, and I love hoodies. And though I probably wear them all throughout the year, the fall season is usually the perfect time to put them on as the weather is not too warm where the extra clothes make you sweat more, and not too cold that you need to layer them all under a puffer coat that makes you look like Baymax from Big Hero 6.

Thanksgiving: Arguably one of the best holidays of the year. In the past, my family and I would always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while everyone prepared different dishes for dinner, and I always had fun competing with my parents and siblings as we debated during the day whose dish would turn out the best. (It was always my mac and cheese).

The Cool Weather: In the hot vs. cold weather debate, I have always chosen the cold weather side for the argument that you can always layer up more to warm up in the cold, but you can only remove so much to cool down when it’s hot. And of course, winter in the northeast takes cold to an extreme, so fall is like the goldilocks zone.

Fall Walks: There’s absolutely nothing better than taking a walk in the fall breeze and enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves with every step – especially with friends or family. Going along the river at sunset is also really enjoyable when you can get a view of both the colorful earth and shiny blue Charles at the same time.

Halloween: Infinite candy (something people like Aidan are incapable of ranking accurately) and everyone unlocking their inner child and playing dress up. Need I say more?

Pre-Christmas: While fall is my favorite season, the best holiday-season takes place during the winter, and fall serves as the best opening performance before the Christmas lights and holiday music take over. You’ll probably find several Christmas decorations here or there during November, before the real deal takes place, too.

Me actively writing this little blog in my dorm’s courtyard while enjoy the fall feelings I talked about