Moments of Autumn Joy

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”

John Donne

Moments of Autumn Joy. September 22, 2025.

It seems odd that Autumn is the peak of the creative year for so many. After all, isn’t it more natural that Spring should hold that position given how the world is coming alive in a buoyant floral show after the colorless dormancy of winter? Spring is the season of fresh, young life. It is filled with blooms and blossoms that perfume the air with wholesome sweetness, and yet we cannot begrudge Fall her own praiseworthy beauty that has earned the adoration of many. If Spring is for celebrating the beauty of new plants just starting life, then Fall is for celebrating the sophisticated beauty of plants on the eve of their demise. For age brings its own well-earned beauty and grace with all its depth and layers that should be celebrated. So, of course, we herald Autumn and the moments of fall joy that warm our hearts.

The celebration of Autumn is more than just a holiday or two. Yes, most of our major holidays are during this season, but to celebrate the season itself is something different. The seasons are the rhythm and flow of our year, each bringing its own unique joy. God created the seasons not just for the world, but for us to live by. The seasons give us continuity and purpose as year in and year out our lives are marked by the circular procession of nature’s wondrous stages. Autumn is also a season of preparation- for picking the fruit of the land and storing it away. It is also a transition season that eases us into winter arms. What a blessing it all is!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Doing things to show our gratitude for the Lord’s good creation of the seasons and the joy to be found in each is a wonderful way to spend time. People generally have the same ideas on how to enjoy fall, but they bear repeating to remind us to enjoy this time. And traditions are a grounding force that binds families and communities together. Slowing down enough to enjoy the living show of color the Lord gave us and to thank and praise Him for it is a great way to honor Him. So, take a moment and enjoy the autumn in a meaningful way!

Moments of Autumn Joy

• A walk on a cool, crisp day to see autumn leaves and the ripe apples on the trees. Don’t you just love the crispy sound of the leaves underfoot?
• Reading a book in the evening. Or read to your kids or grandkids.
• Enjoy some Autumn poetry. Try John Keats, Emily Brontë, Robert Frost, or John Clare. Frost and Clare are especially known for their high use of pastoral imagery and wrote some beautiful fall poetry that is perfect for the romantic fall enthusiast. Find Frost poems here and Clare poems here.
• Cleaning the garden. I love putting the garden to bed as much as I love waking it up in the Spring. It is all part of the rhythm God built into our world just for us.
• Decorating for fall. Bringing Autumn into the home is a great way to spend time. Forage for some leaves for decor on one of those Autumn walks. Dry some hydrangeas from the garden. Use your imagination!
• A fall latte. It is one of the most important rules of Fall to have a pumpkin spice latte. But really, any fall-themed latte will do. But the observance of fall with a hot beverage signifies the shift starting to take place to cooler weather, instead of iced tea in the garden. Here is a recipe for a homemade pumpkin spice latte!
• Have a party. Our family has an annual Autumn Charcuterie. This allows us to connect with the people in our lives and bless them!
• Create your own drive-in. My husband did this one year with all the kids when they hit driving age, and it was fantastic! Of course, you need a big enough space for it, but he set up a sheet and a computer projector, and the kids all drove their cars in one night for a movie. They all loved it! This is a big recommendation!
• Watch the harvest moon and stars. Watching a harvest moon come up is magical, and so is watching the starry skies at night.
• Plant bulbs and seeds for Spring
• Sing praise songs around a fire at night. I remember nights like these at church camp. Find someone who plays the guitar and sings some simple praise songs.
• Crafting. An Autumn-themed craft, such as these mini pumpkin tea lights, is fun!
• Visit a winery. Fall is the best time to go!

Have a beautiful day!