I’m what Gen Z would call a ‘slut’ for fall.

And with the breezy, cool weather we’ve been having in southwestern Ontario lately, my mind has been dreaming of days with crisp, cool air and crunchy multicolour leaves. August is typically when I feel a ‘shift’ in the weather – an inexplicable sensation where the air just feels different and, despite still humid and high temps, you can actually feel fall in the air. Typically when I feel this shift, I begin preparing for the arrival of my favourite season. I run to HomeSense to grab some pumpkin or spiced variation of candle, pull out my Uggs, and start watching my fave shows that give me all the ~fall vibes~.

Today’s piece is a bit of a change from my usual journal-style entries. I had fall on the brain and it felt right to write about it. So, I present to you, fellow fall lover, a listicle of my favourite things to do to help usher in the best season of the year.

Watch shows that give fall vibes

While these shows aren’t necessarily set in the fall season, something about them just screams autumn to me. Maybe it’s the clothes, or perhaps it’s the hazy mountainous backdrops and unlimited supply of flannel. My fave shows to turn to this time of year are X-Files and Supernatural. Sure, they hit any time of the year, but perhaps it’s the spooky vibes that make watching these shows so much more enjoyable during spooky season.

Put on one of those cozy fall jazz videos on YouTube and journal

Like the yule log is to the holidays, in my opinion, those cozy jazz videos on YouTube are to fall. If you have yet to discover these illustrated or AI generated videos of cozy coffee shops set in an autumnal atmosphere with wind, rain and/or fire crackling sound effects, you are truly missing out. In fact, I have one playing right now as I write this piece. Trust me. Not only will these videos improve your productivity, they will help you bring in all the cozy, fall vibes.

Light a fall scented candle and read

Clearly, I am all about setting the ~vibes~. And getting cozy on the couch with a blanket, hot cuppa, book, and candle burning is peak fall perfection, IMO. Add cozy fall jazz video on YouTube for added vibes.

Go browse fall decor at your favourite stores

The excitement I get each August when pumpkin and harvest themed decor items hit my local Michaels or HomeSense is unmatched. In fact, it’s truly the pinnacle of the beginning of the fall season. I don’t necessarily buy anything – maybe a small rug or some form of cute pumpkin accoutrement, but it’s all about the fun of looking and feeling the fall season beginning around you.

Pay attention to the leaves changing

The entrance at the place where we take Winston for daycare starts with a long road lined with trees. I always think to myself that the true marker of fall coming is when these trees begin to change colour. Slowly, with each day we go there, the leaves change colours and begin falling. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that I look forward to every year.

Ok. Now I’m fully ready to pull the Uggs out of storage and wear my cozy sweaters and pants despite the fact that the temperature is set to rise to around 30 degrees tomorrow. And while I may want fall to be here like, yesterday, I remind myself of all the things that happen leading up to the season, as discussed, and how much I love them. It’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy the process because before we know it, we’ll be whining about snow and cold temps. Lucky for us, we get to do the same thing all over again next year.

I’m interested to know what some of your favourite things are that help usher in the fall season.