Fall Calls for Family Traditions

We have the unique opportunity once a year to take in the incomparable beauty of fall and make memories with those we love. Nature reminds us nothing stays the same. There is a time for sowing and reaping. Translate this into investing time during the fall season into our families and relationships. Here are a few ideas to ignite an autumn glow of memories.

Serve together. The harvest season brings to mind all kinds of “work” that must be done. You may not live on a farm where crops are harvested. Still, we all have added duties brought in by the season, such as raking falling leaves, cutting and stacking firewood, cleaning out gutters, spreading mulch, and decorating with fall decor. Why not do it as a team? There is joy in working together and camaraderie in completing a task. Families could do this together. Communities and neighbors can share weekends and bless someone who cannot do it for themselves. 

Cook and bake together. Fall recipes boast comfort food! Pull some recipes for homemade soup, hearty bread, and fall pies like apple, pumpkin, peach, and cherry. Go to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch to pick the fruit you will turn into a delicious fruit bread. Our family makes Italian wedding soup together. We gather around the kitchen island, slicing ingredients, talking, and laughing. My daughter makes amazing Italian bread, and our mouths water as its aroma fills every room. Gifting these family food creations with an encouraging note always warms a heart.

Gather together. The crisp air almost invites us to pull in closer. Why not host a fall party, chili cook-off, or community bonfire? The possibilities are endless for themes, decorations, music, games, and activities. The planning, shopping, and preparation are shared with others and can be as fun as the event.

My best fall memories are stacking firewood with my dad, baking pies with Mom, and singing around a bonfire with friends. Fall family traditions are activities to share, but more so fertile soil for planting seeds for “life talks” and creating meaningful connections. Fall family traditions reap a lasting harvest in our families and community. What will yours be this year?