14 Ways to embrace the shorter days of autumn

​Autumn is by far my favorite season. 

It's something that I treasure every year although at the same time it's signaling the end of all the glory of the long, easy summer days.

​How do you celebrate autumn?

I mean truly embrace it?  Not the "holidays" but the season.

We know that it's obvious to talk about pumpkins, and pumpkin spice, and then before you know it holiday decorations... BUT there is so much more you can do to truly connect with this cooler season with it's soft, low light and briskly shorter days. 

It's a time to celebrate beyond the standard holiday themes and hype.  In fact, I would honestly say that my deepest desire is to escape much of the commercial and cultural pressure and demands that are almost impossible to escape once Labor Day hits.  ​

We've compiled a list of wonderful ideas on how do just that...

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Here's our list of 14 treasured activities and traditions that we relish here at The Whiskey Porch each autumn --  to savor the natural progression of Autumn:
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#1:  Linen Swap
Bring out your soft flannel sheets, wool throws, and silk scarves to toss on in the cooler mornings and evens for an extra layer.  Even better if they are freshly cleaned and smell good!

#2:   Twinkle Twinkle
Candles, delicate string lights.  Not holiday decorations per se, just soft sweet light tucked into a couple of corners where you spend time.  I prefer simple white candles, and small white lights.  

#3:  Smell
A couple of drops of high quality essential oils in a simple diffuser or even just in a pot of water simmering slowly on the stove.  A couple of my favorites, beyond the obvious cinnamon and such - eucalyptus, balsam fir, helichrisym, and sweet orange.  Don't overdo it.  A little goes a long way!

#4:  Herbs
Cut your herbs from the garden before the hard frost and hang them to dry.  Herbs like bay, dill, lavender, lemon balm, thyme, rosemary, oregano.  Use them in recipes over fall and winter or to make hydrosols.
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#5:  Trees
​Autumn is the perfect time to plant trees for autumn color.  It gives them a time to work on root development and settling into their new home.  By next fall you'll have your reward!

#6:  Cook
This is a wonderful time to spend a little more time in the kitchen (or even with the grill or smoker) to explore some new, or favorite, recipes that a bit more time.  Soup is my go-to favorite.  Use produce in season at the farmers market.

​#7:  Books
​Take a sunday morning to put together a yummy reading list for the fall and winter.  When it's just too nasty outside, escaping into a wonderful story is a true pleasure.  Skip the television or other screen media.  Make a pot of tea, grab your favorite socks, turn on some soothing music and pick up your book.
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​#8:  Tidy
Spring cleaning is great too, but take an afternoon to really sort thru your tools, supplies, and equipment in the garden shed.  Put everything to rest for the season and know that it'll all be there ready to roll when spring arrives.

​#9:  Tea
Explore some new teas that celebrate what's in season - whether you savor a cup in the morning or have a special tea to give you a boost in the afternoons.  

Loose tea is the way to go here.  And consider spices and herbs that you might not always associate with tea.  ​My favorite new blend this fall is one with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and dried orange.  

#10:  Cocoon
Relish the chance to slow down and cocoon with your kiddos or pets, partner, or friends.   Make a plan for a cozy afternoon soup dinner on a blanket in front of a favorite movie.  And enjoy doing less.  I wrote a blog about the Nordic concept called 'Hygge' that fits right in here:  It's That Hygge Time of Year.

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​#11:  Trails
Fall and winter isn't when we typically think of going out for a hike.  But it can be truly spectacular because you'll have less company this time of year, and the late afternoon light can be magical.  Maybe bring a small thermos with some of your new favorite hot tea for a mini trail-break.

#12:  Go Red
I love this one.  I generally prefer red wine, but have discovered the pleasure in drinking whites 
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that are nicely chilled during the summer, and then when it starts to cool off I switch back to my favorite reds for the season.  It's well suited to the types of foods we tend eat this time of year, and it's just a richer, more decadent treat.  

#13:  Mindful
Autumn is the time to become more mindful about making simple routines in your day or week more special.  Think about bedtime, your morning cup of tea (or coffee), your skin care routine (or lack thereof).  Anything you do repeatedly can become rote, and dull.  But it's really important to find a way to enjoy the little tasks that create a rhythm to your day.
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#14:  Seeds & Water
Fall and winter can be hard for birds.  Buy fresh bird seed made for your area from a local vendor and clean and fill your bird feeders - or fabricate simple ones by up-cycling materials you might have in your garden shed.  And, keeping a fresh water source available over the season, is also a must if you want to attract your feathered friends. 

Then sit back and see who comes to visit!  Remember to replenish as necessary to create a reliable haven for the birds.

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​There you have it.   Hopefully we were able to get the creative juices flowing.
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​What are some of the things that you love to do to start slowing down this time of year? 

​Please share ideas with us in the comments below!  We'd love to hear and might have to add to or tweak our list for next year...

Thanks for reading!

Peace and contentment,
~Miriam