Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love slipping into cozy sweaters and enjoying warm drinks (pumpkin spice, yes please!). The vibrant leaves are stunning, and I thrill at the arrival of the festive season. However, while searching online for fun activities to share with my kids this fall, I found myself overwhelmed. There are endless lists of “75 Fall Activities You Must Try” and “100 Fall Crafts You Can’t Miss.”
As an introverted mom who tends to put immense pressure on herself, these articles can lead to a mini panic attack. I genuinely want to create wonderful memories with my kids and do everything under the sun—even things I know I can’t pull off (crafting is not my strong suit!). But when I feel the weight of that expectation, I can easily lose my cool.
This year, I’m taking a step back and adopting a Fall “Forget-It” List instead of a bucket list. Want to join me? Here’s what I won’t be doing this fall:
- Making Costumes from Scratch
I’ve tried this before, and it ended in tears (mine and the kids’). The results? Costumes that looked like a Pinterest fail. I’m all about Amazon Prime this year! Maybe I’ll swing by a local costume store, but I wouldn’t bet on it. - Attending Every Festival
Standing in long lines with cranky kids only to spend a small fortune on rides that make my head spin? I’ll tolerate it once or twice, but I’m not going to every fair in town. - Apple Picking
I took my eldest apple picking when he was just a toddler. It was fun, and I have some nice memories, but the journey was long, and I ended up with way too many apples and a lighter wallet. - Going Overboard with Decorations
I love a few colorful mums and some spooky decor, but hanging corn husks or turning my porch into a harvest display? No thanks! I’ll keep it simple. - Baking Every Fall Treat
I can manage a pumpkin pie and some muffins—those are easy enough. But if a recipe takes over 20 minutes, it better come with a guarantee that my kids will eat it. - Crafting Nonstop
If the kids want to use some paper to make pumpkins, great! But I don’t have a crafting bone in my body. Big messes stress me out, so no fancy garlands or framed leaves will be made in this house. - Forcing Joy in Every Moment
There will be plenty of wonderful moments, but let’s face it, there will also be tough ones. If we’re freezing outside after trick-or-treating and the kids refuse to carry their candy, I won’t pretend I’m having a blast. I’ll be right there crying with them.
I know things can’t be perfect, especially with kids involved, but I often build up my expectations. So this year, I’m bracing for chaos. Someone will likely get sick just as we’re about to leave for Thanksgiving, or a Halloween costume will fall apart last minute. Maybe if I prepare for the worst, I’ll be pleasantly surprised when things go smoother than expected.
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In summary, this fall, I’m focusing on what truly matters and letting go of unrealistic expectations. I’ll treasure the good moments and accept the chaos that comes with parenting.