Ah, fall! My absolute favorite time of the year. There’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a cozy sweater and sipping on a warm drink (bring on the pumpkin spice lattes!). The vibrant colors of the changing leaves and the delightful array of holidays get me all giddy.
However, as I browsed online for fun activities to do with my kids this autumn, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Lists of 75 Fall Activities, 100 Must-Do Crafts, and countless local festivals had my head spinning. As an introverted mom who often puts too much pressure on myself, these suggestions can feel overwhelming. I want to create unforgettable moments with my children, but the pressure can easily lead to frustration.
So, this fall, I’m adopting a more relaxed attitude and creating my own “Fall No-Thanks List.” Interested? Here’s what I’m skipping this season:
1. Handmade Costumes
I’ve tried making costumes in the past, and let me tell you, it ended in tears—mine and the kids’. Instead, I’ll be relying on Amazon Prime or maybe a quick trip to a local costume shop if I’m feeling adventurous.
2. Attend Every Festival
Spending 45 minutes in line at a carnival with cranky kids, only to shell out a small fortune for mediocre rides? I’ll pass on most festivals. Maybe one or two for the experience, but I won’t feel pressured to go to all of them.
3. Apple Picking Adventures
While the memories from my first apple-picking trip with my eldest were sweet, the long drive and the overwhelming number of apples we brought home left me drained. It’s just not worth it this year.
4. Over-the-Top Decorating
I enjoy a few seasonal touches, like colorful mums and some spooky decor, but I won’t go overboard. Hanging corn husks and filling every window with apples? Not happening.
5. Bake Everything
Pumpkin pie and muffins are easy and enjoyable, but I won’t be spending hours in the kitchen trying to create elaborate dishes. If it takes more than 20 minutes to prepare, it better come with a guarantee that my kids will actually eat it!
6. Crafting Extravaganza
If my kids want to cut out some pumpkins from construction paper, they can go for it. But as for me, I lack any crafting talent, and the thought of a mess gives me anxiety. So, no glittery projects or nature crafts for us.
7. Force Enjoyment of Every Moment
While I know there will be countless lovely moments this fall, there will also be tough ones. I refuse to pretend I’m having a blast when my kids are tired and cranky after trick-or-treating. I’ll embrace the chaos and cry along with them when needed.
I realize that things rarely go as planned, especially with kids in tow. So this year, I’m setting my expectations low. Someone will probably get sick right before Thanksgiving, or a costume will fall apart last minute. But maybe if I anticipate the mishaps, I’ll find joy in the unexpected.
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