I love Fall. Don’t get me wrong, I find joy in all the seasons, and I especially like the change of the seasons–the newness of different temperatures, the different amounts of daylight, the different things growing all really appeal to me. But there’s just something special about Fall–it’s by far my favorite season of the year. The beautiful changing leaves, the crisp air, the return of sweaters and boots, the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, making all of my favorite “comfort food” recipes, especially soups, are all things I love about this time of year.

I find that as Fall approaches, I want to be home more. Maybe it’s the chill in the air, maybe it’s because the hours of daylight are constantly and obviously decreasing, but Fall makes me want to be cozy at home. The lights on in the house against the darkness outside, the homey flicker of a candle flame as it scents the house with all the best things of Fall, the need to throw on a sweatshirt or curl up under a blanket with a good book, or a pile of children and a movie.

Fall, even though it means the death of growing things outside, brings the hope of the coming Christmas season, relief from hot summer days, and a greater appreciation for home and family.