Happy September, homemakers! Fall festivities are among us and it is time to start thinking about Fall traditions. Below are 10 ways to make Fall extra special this year. The best part about the list is most are cheap or free to do!
Making Fall special for your family can be quite simple and easy. The best thing to do is focus on engaging the senses. The smell of fresh baked pumpkin bread, the feel of jumping into a pile of leaves, the beautiful Fall colors will all bring a warm comfort in your children for years and years to come.
Creating traditions are a paramount part of being a homemaker!
Like I said, you do not need to overcomplicate this. In fact, I encourage you not to because the idea with traditions is you will be doing them every year — so make sure you cultivate activities you are willing to stick to!
Without further ado, here are 10 ways to make Fall extra special this year! Check out our Instagram for more ideas saved to a “Traditions” highlight!
Grow a Fall Garden
Getting your children involved with gardening is an excellent way to get them more connected to their food! You could build a small raised bed or simply grow a few things in pots on your porch. Here is a guide to help you figure out what you can grow in the Fall based on where you live.
Decorate for Fall
Some of us love to decorate, others, such as myself, are not as fond of it. Decorating can be cheap and simple and it is a great way to make your home feel cozy and festive! My favorite places to find decor are thrift stores and the Dollar Tree. You could also have a craft day and make decorations with your kiddos — throughout the years little DIY crafts like these will really add up and make your Fall decor that much more special.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch, Apple Orchard, or Corn Maze
I have some of the fondest Fall memories from my childhood going to our local pumpkin patch! Taking hay rides, sipping on apple cider, and of course — picking out the perfect carving pumpkin! You usually do not have to spend a ton of money at these events, and they make for great pictures!
Take a Nature Walk
Use all of the beautiful fallen foliage as a creative learning experience! Collect leaves, acorns, and pinecones and have your children make crafts, collages, or do research on the kinds of trees they came from!
You could even bring along a sketchbook and have your children draw pictures of the beautiful fall colors!
Cook and bake seasonally
This one is my absolute favorite! Thanksgiving does not have to be the only day you enjoy delicious fall-inspired food! You can have a baking day where you bake goodies for friends and family.
There are all kinds of delicious, fall-inspired (often healthy) sides you can cook for your family throughout the week. Try an apple relish on top of a pork roast, serve up some delicious roasted acorn squash alongside a steak, or try your hand at this curried pumpkin soup! The options are truly endless.
Open the Windows
Here in the South, we usually have to wait a while before we can do this because the heat lingers well into October. Once it’s cool enough to keep the windows open — I LOVE letting the crisp Fall air fill the house! It changes the entire atmosphere! It is so fun waking up in the morning to crisp, fall air — or taking an afternoon nap with the breeze!
Paint pumpkins
If your children are too young for pumpkin carving (let’s face it, it’s pretty dangerous at any age!!), pumpkin painting is just as fun! Your children will love painting a small pumpkin to display in their room!
You can keep it simple with some acrylic paint, or add glitter, sparkles, and googley eyes! The options are endless.
Watch Fall-Inspired Movies
When the Fall evenings become a bit too cool to enjoy, curling up with a bowl of homemade caramel-corn and a beloved family movie is a lovely tradition to have!
There are several lists of family-friendly-Fall movies to watch. Just be sure to do your own research and use your discretion as to what is appropriate to watch for your family!
Read about Thanksgiving, Halloween and other Fall Holidays
It is important to teach children what they are celebrating and why (or why not, if you are a family who does not celebrate Halloween!). Here is a book that explains a bit about the Thanksgiving story and here is one about Fall, and here is one about The Day of the Dead!
Play Dress Up With Old Halloween Costumes
Here is a friendly reminder to keep all of your old Halloween costumes! As a child I adored pulling out our old costumes and playing dress up with my siblings. Playing dress up with old costumes fosters hours of endless fun!
What Fall traditions does your family have? Comment below to let us know!
Have you checked out our Free Cooking Guide? Learn how and why to glorify God through home cooking!
Try our Busy Mama’s Balsamic Brisket Recipe this Fall!