As the leaves are changing and the trees are wearing less and less as the air turns crisp, we welcome the Autumn season in Winnipeg with open arms. For my family, this time of year is all about shifting our pace and centering our focus on gratitude and creativity. Here are some of the ways we celebrate the Autumn season and why it’s important to us:
1. Cozy Nights In: As the weather gets cooler, we love to spend our evenings snuggled up in our loungewear, watching movies, and enjoying a hot bevvy. It’s a great way to slow down and spend quality time together as a family. Xander has a huge appreciation for teas lately and so we have enjoyed some quiet moments just sipping tea and soaking in the moment together on several occasions. It’s bliss. This morning was a school inservice, and there was a big storm with heavy rain drops, thunder and lightening. Sebastian hopped into my bed and we snuggled up and enjoyed the storm for a bit together. This moment was like a cozy blanket that wrapped me up in love and gratitude. Enchanting.
3. Fall Crafts: Autumn is the perfect time to get creative and make some fun Fall crafts. For some reason, Autumn is when I feel most creative and expressive. I tend to do quite a bit of writing but also love to plan fun little crafts for the kiddos and I to do together. We love to make leaf rubbings, paint pumpkins, and create autumn-themed decorations for our home. Yesterday we carved our pumpkins and today we will likely paint some more that we brought home.
4. Harvest Festivals and Seasonal Activities: Winnipeg has some amazing harvest festivals that we love to attend. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, there’s always something fun to do with the family. We recently attended a terrific Fall Fair at Pineridge Hollow that had so many seasonally theme activities and treats. It was such a wonderful experience with the family. And of course, our family loves Spooky Season so we try to do as many Halloween themed activities and outings as we can as well. We are looking forward to things like Boo at the Zoo, the Halloween Train Ride on the Prairie Dog Express, hosting the kids own Halloween Party and whatever else might be on the bucket list!
6. Gratitude Practice: Autumn is traditionally a time of harvest and appreciation of abundance, and we like to take this opportunity to practice gratitude with our family. We make a point to express our appreciation for the people and things in our lives that we are thankful for. We try to slow down the pace in general but also in individual moments to really take in the details we often pass over in everyday life. Taking a second to stop the kids mid-walk to school to get them to look at the trees on our street and take in the beauty of how the leaves have changed and ask them how it makes them feel is an example of one of those moments where I might try to help shift their focus and center them in gratitude.
8. Comfort Food: Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in some comfort food. We love to make soups, curries, and casseroles that warm us up from the inside out. One family fave recipe we make is a Pumpkin-Chickpea Curry that is such a good Fall Staple! Another thing we have been doing in October or November for the last few years is a Soup Party. Or SOUPerpalooza! It’s like a potluck but each guest brings a soup they have made. We set out bowls and spoons and an array of different soup toppings or additions and enjoy all the soups together for dinner! It’s honestly a fave occasion of mine when it comes around.
For us, the Autumn season is all about slowing down, being present, and enjoying the simple things in life. It’s a time to reflect on the year so far and express gratitude for all the good in our lives. We hope that this season brings you joy, peace, and a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around you.
Happy Autumn, everyone!
Our Prairie Fable 