Fall Bucket List

Oscar Wilde once wrote, “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall…”

If this is how you are feeling at the moment, you are not alone. Last I checked, it was the first of August. I don’t think I had a September. Now, the calendar says October, and I am thinking, “I only have how many days until Christmas?!”

Life is moving much too quickly for me these days. Each day is jam-packed with endless places to be and things to get done. What I really want is to slow down and savor each season…each phase…each day.

For those of you feeling the same way, the team at West Main Creations has created a fall bucket list to help you enjoy this fleeting autumn time more fully. This isn’t a to-do list or a have-to-get-everything-done-or-I’m-a-failure list. Pick one or two items from the list that will bring contentment to your soul. Or check them all as a way to help yourself slow down and enjoy the season.

No matter how many items you choose, we hope your fall “bucket” is full of wonderful moments for yourself and your loved ones.

# 1 – Take a drive to see the fall colors  

This is always at the top of my must-dos each fall. Higher elevations may have lost most of their colorful leaves, but you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage at lower elevations (such as St. George, Utah) through October and sometimes into November.

Shortcut: buy caramel dip and enjoy with sliced apples.

Yes, it sounds childish, but that’s the point. Rake up a big pile and get a running start. Can’t bring yourself to relive being 9 years old? Take a walk and crunch as many leaves as possible with your feet. Something about the sound of crunching leaves is therapeutic.

Fall and football go together. Support your local high school or tune in on the weekends to watch college rivalries. No multitasking. Just enjoy the game.

This is a classic fall activity that never loses its appeal no matter how old you are. If you would rather not mess with…the mess of carving up a pumpkin, try painting a face on one instead.

This is one of my kids’ favorite fall pastimes. We create fun memories, it costs so very little and makes for an easy dinner. Win-win-win!

Pick a movie you’ve seen multiple times, leaving more brain power for the puzzle. Some of our fall favorites: “Runaway Bride,” and “You’ve Got Mail.” Both movies have great soundtracks and start with autumn settings.

'Tis the season for everything pumpkin. For a deliciously yummy treat, try our Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

This is a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing. You can’t really schedule birds to do a fly-over at a certain time, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

We all have blessings, but when life gets crazy, sometimes we fail to see those blessings. Keeping a gratitude journal helps you recognize the good things in life. Start simple. Write down 3 things each day you are thankful for.

There is no better way to enjoy the fall than going on a hike. Enjoy the crisp air and the beauty of nature while getting your heart rate up and boosting those feel-good endorphins.

This can be as simple as a handful of leaves or a pocket full of acorns. Make it a family treasure hunt and your kids will have a blast. Seeing the things you gathered together will bring back happy memories all season long.