How I’m Embracing the Last Days of October

Oct 24

fal leaves that are rainbow oak leaves on a October tree

As the final days of October drift by, I'm leaning into the little moments that make this season feel so special. For me, it's a time to slow down, savor the crisp air, and indulge in cozy rituals that bring comfort and joy. I want to share not only my traditions but also some tips for how you can embrace this fleeting part of fall with your own cozy routines.

Savoring Warm Drinks

One of my favorite ways to start the day is by sipping a hot drink while watching the morning unfold. Whether it’s a apple cider, pumpkin latte, or a simple herbal tea, there’s something about that first sip that makes everything feel just right. My tip for adding a bit of seasonal flair: make a homemade syrup infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to sweeten your coffee or tea. You can keep a jar of it in the fridge and stir in a spoonful whenever you need a warm pick-me-up.

I love spending the afternoons on our wrap-around porch, rocking gently in those old metal chairs that have seen so many seasons before me. The last of the chrysanthemums I planted in French pots are still blooming brightly, adding bursts of color to the space. I like to take a moment to deadhead the fading flowers, cherishing their final show before the frosts arrive. If you don’t have a porch, simply crack open a window and let the cool breeze and sounds of nature accompany your morning ritual.

Making the Most of Fall Blooms

I’m always a bit sentimental about the last fall blooms, especially my chrysanthemums, which continue to offer color even as the days grow shorter. If you have a garden or some potted flowers, take a few minutes each day to deadhead the spent blossoms. This keeps them blooming longer and gives you a quiet moment to appreciate nature’s resilience before winter sets in.

If your garden has already faded, bring a bit of fall indoors. Gather some dried flowers or seed pods from your yard or a local farmer’s market and arrange them in a vase. I love placing these simple, rustic bouquets on the kitchen table or by my front door. It’s a beautiful reminder that even as the season shifts, there’s beauty to be found.

mums in a french pot sitting on a wrap around porch

Create Cozy Spaces for Reflection

One of my favorite parts of these late October days is lighting a fire, either outside in our fire pit or inside by the hearth. The warmth, the smell of wood smoke, and the gentle crackle of the flames instantly create a peaceful, calming atmosphere. If you don’t have a fireplace or fire pit, you can still create this cozy ambiance with a few well-placed candles and some soft lighting.

In these last days of October, I savor the quiet moments. Whether it’s pressing the last of the leaves between the pages of a book, baking something with cinnamon and apples, or just pausing to enjoy the warmth of a sunset that comes earlier now, I try to soak in all the magic this month brings. Soon, the leaves will fall and the days will grow colder, but for now, I’m embracing every cozy tradition that makes this time of year so special.

For an extra cozy touch, gather your favorite throws and pillows, and create a little nook for reading or simply unwinding. A basket of seasonal books or magazines by your side can add to the seasonal charm, and if you have little ones, this is the perfect time to start a storytime tradition by the fire.

Preserving Fall Memories

I’m a big fan of pressing leaves between the pages of books. It’s a simple way to preserve a bit of fall for the colder months ahead. Whenever we take a walk as a family, we gather the most vibrant leaves we can find, and later, I press them inside an old book. It’s a lovely reminder of those crisp, golden walks long after the leaves have all fallen.

You can also create a fall memory jar. Each family member can write down a favorite autumn moment or tradition and place it in the jar. On a cold winter night, pull out the jar and read through those memories together, reliving the best parts of fall.

Baking with Seasonal Ingredients

Nothing says cozy like the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. As the month winds down, I love to use up the last of the apples, pumpkins, and squash we’ve harvested. Whether it’s a batch of cinnamon-swirled apple bread or roasted pumpkin soup, cooking with seasonal ingredients brings a taste of fall into every bite.

If you’re short on time, focus on simple recipes that can be prepped ahead of time. Make a big batch of pumpkin muffins or granola with fall spices like cinnamon and cloves, then freeze them for an easy treat that will remind you of fall even after the season has passed.

baking with seasonal cinnamon pumpkin rolls, baking, harvest

Staying Present in the Moment

As the days get shorter, I find myself craving more moments of stillness and reflection. I try to carve out time to simply sit with a warm blanket and watch the sun set earlier and earlier each day. It’s a reminder of the passing season and how important it is to savor these small, quiet moments before the busyness of the holidays sets in.

My tip: embrace the early dusk by slowing down your evening routine. Turn off harsh lights, light a few candles, and take a few minutes to journal, read, or simply sit in silence. These moments of calm are a great way to recharge before the end of the year.

Embrace the Magic of October’s Final Days

As we say goodbye to October, it’s the perfect time to lean into the season’s warmth and coziness. Whether it’s sipping tea on the porch, tending to the last blooms, or gathering around a fire, these little rituals help us stay grounded and grateful for the beauty of fall.

I encourage you to incorporate these traditions into your routine in whatever way feels most natural. Embrace the slower pace, take time to appreciate the details, and savor these golden days before the chill of winter arrives.

Brooke

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