What’s especially alienating is when everyone else seems to love fall. Everywhere, I see people raving about pumpkin spice lattes, scented candles, and Gilmore Girls. Maybe I would love fall more if I lived in Stars Hollow, but I still don’t understand this pattern. What confused me even more was when netizens dubbed fall as the “basic white girl season” – I had no idea fall was that huge of a deal! How did we peg that stereotype onto this season? 

History

Fall has been associated with school, harvests, and Thanksgiving in the United States. During fall, people feel a refreshing sense of new beginnings (and the urge to buy school or office supplies) long after graduating from school. The proliferation of fresh, local produce at the grocery store or farmer’s market encourages people to try seasonal flavors like pumpkins and apples. People also share the harvest by engaging in social activities, like fall festivals, carnivals, and feasts like Thanksgiving. 

Surprisingly, Thanksgiving was once a regional holiday limited to New England. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving gained national recognition. A nationalistic, whitewashed history of the first Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving recipes spread in national newspapers. Businesses capitalized on this new tradition to sell food, kitchen appliances, and fall decor to women. Housewives everywhere felt compelled to conform to the image and live out the American Dream with their Thanksgivings. 

All of these historical factors synonomize fall with nostalgia, family, social gatherings, and warmth in America. These traits are also traditionally feminine. Combined with Thanksgiving marketing strategies, fall has become the season for stereotypical homemakers to enjoy cooking, hosting, and spending time at home with family.

Social Media Trends

Modern women are much more than housewives now, but the marketing strategies and cultural schema have stuck. Starting in the 2010s, netizens have noticed a variety of “basic white girl” essentials, including Taylor Swift, Hydroflasks (and other trendy water bottles), Lululemon, and a fondness for fall. Basic white girls allegedly take aesthetic social media posts in fall foliage, binging fall-themed TV shows, frolicking in their new boots and cozy outfits, and, of course, inhaling pumpkin spice everything. While some think “basic” dismisses the interests of women as shallow, others embrace the label. Even people who aren’t White women post about enjoying fall like a basic white girl! Regardless of one’s stance on this stereotype, it is undoubtedly a pervasive cultural phenomenon.   

I’m still not convinced enough to like fall after researching and writing this article, but maybe I’ll dislike it a bit less. After all, fall isn’t just for basic white girls; it’s for anyone to enjoy. 

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Go to a pumpkin patch.

The epitome of fall is picking pumpkins, wandering through corn mazes, and drinking apple cider at a local pumpkin patch. Bring a friend, partner, or your family along for a super fun, crisp afternoon!

Decorate your house.

Decorating is the perfect way to get into a festive mood, whether you are decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just the autumn season. Depending on your budget, you can either try to DIY some decor or make a trip to the shopping centers. Decorating is what sets the vibe for the rest of your holiday season.

Watch a movie.

Fall is the perfect season to set up an outdoor projector and binge your favorite fall films! Whether you are a horror fan or prefer a cozier alternative, enjoying a movie under the beautiful changing leaves is a fun way to spend an autumn evening. Need movie recommendations? Check out this article for ideas!

Visit a spooky attraction.

Halloween is my favorite part of the fall season. Haunted houses are perfect for groups who like the adrenaline rush and can handle the frights. If you are a bit of a scaredy cat, haunted trails may be a better option for you than a full-on haunted house, and they are great to go to with your family!

Carve pumpkins.

Of course, what would fall be without carving pumpkins?! Some love to make it a competition to see who can carve the best pumpkin, while others may prefer a chill craft night. Carving isn’t the only way to decorate your pumpkin patch pick—painting pumpkins is a super fun and less messy alternative!

Have a game night.

While game night is not a fall-exclusive activity, what better weather is there than a crisp autumn night to stay in, eat snacks, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition with your family and friends?

Try new seasonal recipes.

Fall brings a plethora of warm, cozy seasonal flavors, like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and other spices. Most importantly, it marks the beginning of soup and pie seasons. There are tons of new recipes on TikTok or Pinterest that incorporate these warm flavors into interesting dinner or dessert ideas. Trying recipes is an excellent activity because the cooking part is fun, and there is something yummy to eat when you’re finished.

Throw a Friendsgiving.

Fall is for family, friends, and spending time with those you love. Thanksgiving is soon, but friends can be just as important as family, so celebrate with your besties over a potluck of savory dishes and sweet treats. Show off your party planning skills with fall-themed games and crafts!

Watch a football game.

Sports fanatic or not, football is the game of the season. Hanging out with your friend, cheering on your team, and listening to the band while enjoying a concession stand snack is a perfect way to spend a Friday night. If you like the game, you can watch it on most sports networks nearly every day of the week.

Take a hike.

Cooler weather and beautiful leaves make for the perfect hike. A mountain hike is the ideal way to watch as the leaves change from deep greens to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Birds migrate in early fall, so this is also the prime time for bird watching! Spend some time outdoors and enjoy the last days of fall weather before winter comes.

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Colors of Change

Autumn leaves change fast

Almost too fast to see them

Then away they go

Some friends are these leaves

They are there then they are gone

It happens sometimes

It’s a part of life

It’s a part of growing up

It’s a normal thing

But like autumn leaves

New friendships will come again

Bringing new color

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Whispers of the Seasons

Golden leaves, soft skies of gray,
Autumn winds steal warmth away.
Fires glow as chill drifts near,
Slowly cold fills every year.

Sweaters hug against the breeze,
Crackling fires through autumn trees.
Golden hours fade to night,
Stars shine clear, so cold and bright.

Then winter lays a silver sheet,
Snowfall pillows at our feet.
Quiet skies and branches bare,
Frosted breath in winter’s air.

Check out more original poems written by girls, for girls

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Gilmore Girls is a 2000’s television series starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The two actors take on the role of mother and daughter. This show is filled with twists and turns and drama that will keep you hooked. The plot outlines a young mother from a high-class family, running away and adopting a simpler and quieter life.  She raises her daughter by herself and builds a community of her own. The daughter, Rory, is smart and driven with a goal to one day attend Harvard University. But throughout the show, we see her goals somewhat shift.

I first started watching Gilmore Girls almost 3 years ago. To this day, every time fall rolls around, I know that it’s time to rewatch! Now, it is important to keep in mind that this show can be watched year round, but it has a special feeling when you watch it around fall. From meddling grandparents to small town life, this show has it all. It may be hard for some to stay engaged with all seven seasons of the show. Personally, I was also struggling to get to the end. However, after watching the whole show, I knew that I would rewatch it for years to come. So now, three years later I still have the same opinion.

Usually, I bundle up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and just let the show play, and no matter how many times I watch it, I always see something new or different. So I recommend that everybody watch the show. It may not be educational, but it is a great way to relax and have a laugh! 

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Single Person Costume Ideas

Wearing a solo costume is a great way to stand out and shine on Halloween. It also means you get the freedom to dress exactly as you choose. No need to compromise on coordinating costumes with others!

Cowgirl

Cleopatra

Witch

Strawberry Shortcake

Dorothy from Wizard of Oz

Two People 

Matching costumes with your bestie, significant other, or a family member can be a lot of fun! These five costume ideas are perfect for two.

Angel and Devil

Barbie and Raquel

Mario Brothers

Velma and Daphne from Scooby Doo

Buzz and Woody from Toy Story

Three People 

These iconic costumes are great for you and your two best friends.

Kiss, Marry, Kill

3 blind mice

Firefighter, Police Officer, and FBI agent

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Minions

Group Costume Ideas

These group costume ideas will make lasting memories for you and your friend group this year.

Disney Princesses

Mermaids

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Football Players

Wrestlers

Boxers

M and M’s

Aliens

These are some great and affordable costumes you can choose from. You have the option to go with a whole group or just by yourself, if you prefer. I hope that you were able to draw some inspiration from this list of ideas! Have a happy Halloween!!!

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A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder- Holly Jackson

This book had me on my toes. The storyline was great and the twist at the end was unpredictable. Well, at least for me. This book is a little on the mature side- the rating is 14 and up. After I read the book I watched the show on Netflix and I thought it was very enjoyable.  There are some differences between the show and book but overall I rate it 4.5/5.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series- Rick Riordan

This is my favorite book series. Hands Down. All of the books are great. I read this series when I was in the 5th grade and I loved them, so I decided to give them a reread. There are 5 in total, and I encourage  you to read all of the books. All of the characters are so well written, which makes it so relatable to kids and teenagers. It is just a good story for ages 9 and up. I totally recommend checking out the show on Disney + as well. I rate this book 5/5.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – Rex Ogle

For all my graphic novel lovers, this is the book for  you. This book radiates girlhood. It is the modern retelling of Little Women and how they would be in the modern world. This story is very wholesome and is good for ages 9 and up. I rate this book 5/5.

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1. “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell

It’s clear from the title that this graphic novel is perfect for getting into the Fall mood. “Pumpkinheads” is about two seasonal best friends Deja and Josiah. They both work at what they believe to be the best pumpkin patch in the whole world every autumn. They only get to see each other once a year on Halloween, when their friendship rekindles. However, this Fall is different. Since Deja and Josiah are seniors, this will be not only their last time working on the pumpkin patch together, but probably the last time they will see each other again. Instead of moping, they decide to make their last Halloween an adventure they will not forget. Although I don’t normally read graphic novels, this is one surprised me! It’s one of the best ones I have ever read. It’s a simple yet sweet story of friendship that takes place in Fall at a pumpkin patch, making it perfect for the Autumn and Halloween season. 

2.“The Night Circus” By Erin Morgenstern

This book is a perfect mix between fantasy and adventure, making it a great Fall page turner. Les Cirque des Reves is no ordinary circus: It appears seemingly out of thin air! It is there and then gone all within a night. As you might have expected, it’s only open at night. Under a big circus tent, a competition is at full force. Celia and Marco compete in a harsh game they have been training for their whole lives, and only one can win. Though romance sparks between them, the game must go on. Who will win and how will love prevail? When I read this book I was surprised at how head turning it is. “The Night Circus” has elements of almost every genre, making it perfect for so many people. The magical feel of this book makes it perfect for Fall. 

3. “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children #1” By Ransom Riggs

This novel is a perfect read for fall because of the spooky and haunted element it brings to the table. Jacob, a 16-year-old boy, discovers photos of peculiar children on a mysterious island. He decides to visit the island after his grandfather’s horrific death to make sense of everything. What he finds on this island and in the orphanage far exceeds what he expected or even imagined. Jacob finds children with all different types of personalities and powers. He also discovers a dark truth, that he and the children are in grave danger. This novel has a haunted aspect that is perfect for Fall. Its captivating pages will make you want to keep reading all the way to the end!

4. “The Silent Patient” By Alex Michaelides

This thriller will keep you up at night in a good way! Alicia has a seemingly normal and perfect life. She is a painter and has a husband, Gabriel, who is a high fashion photographer. One night, Alicia suddenly shoots her husband in the face five times. She refuses to talk about why she did such a thing, leaving the public wanting to know more about what happened. Theo, a psychotherapist, starts to work with Alicia to unravel why she committed the violent act. His obsession with the case begins to consume him until eventually, he goes too far. This novel is perfect for fall because of its thriller aspect. It truly is like no other book I have ever read. 

5. “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” By Laurie Gilmore

Lastly, this book is what I would consider the quintessential Fall read- not only because of the title, but  because of the hint of romance and the scenic picture it paints. Jeanie’s aunt gives her the ownership of the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Jeanie is overjoyed to run this cafe, a pursuit far better than the mundane desk job that she once had. Logan is a local farmer. Will they fall in love, and if they do, what will it cost them? This is the perfect novel to get you into the Fall mood because of its autumnal location and Hallmark romance!

If you enjoyed reading, you can find more great Fall content here!

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A Thousand Miles Away…

A local fair, and Kendall Square
Swearing that I would meet you there
Will you find me, making my way
Through a crowd of thousands?

Through endless halls, I wanted all
The closed doors and hidden walls
Remember me, will you still?
After seeing thousands?

Time didn’t stall, two weeks of awe
I wish to see you in the fall
But I must return, while you meet
Everyone coming- the thousands

Everywhere, my mind is there
Reliving memories too good to bear
Very much again, wanting you
Wanted by the thousands
And me too

A Final Note

I hope you enjoyed the poem. Upon reflection, it sounds like a cute, wistful anime romcom theme song.
See if you can solve for what exactly it is about. It is hinted in the poem, and here are more hints:
1341 2141 3343
11 13 1 15 12 8 14 2
ChatGPT can’t solve it, so if you can, congrats! AI won’t steal your job.

For more original poems, check out our poems section.

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