AbbyElse

As August crept in, several people’s TikTok For You Page’s flooded with videos of people putting up their fall decorations and expressing their desire to begin the autumnal traditions of making a pumpkin spice latte, cozying up with a blanket and watching a Halloween movie during a gloomy day in August. So what’s the rush?

The season of fall is typically divided into three different sub-seasons. There is “typical” fall that includes pumpkin spice, football, apple cider, cozy sweaters, crisp air, etc. Then there is Halloween fall, where the season changes to a spooky vibe and people are found at pumpkin patches, dressing up in fun costumes, and watching Halloween movies. Finally, there is Thanksgiving fall. This shifts from Halloween to a cozy, thankful, holiday-centered vibe. So even though there are different sub-seasons of fall, when is it socially acceptable to start celebrating fall as a whole?

Joni Sweet’s article “Why We Love Fall So Much, According to Psychology,” on verywellmind.com, notes how fall celebrations start early, typically around when school begins because of a concept known as a temporal landmark. This is the idea that we as humans have something to look forward to, similar to a birthday. Temporal landmarks mark the beginning of a fresh start in which people can start new routines, reinvent themselves or just simply feel a change in the air. This urges people to challenge and better themselves in all aspects of life.

In this same article, Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychologist, noted that fall does, in fact, create a fresh routine for many people. In the summertime, many people are traveling, engaging in sports or hobbies, socializing with friends and family, changing their sleep schedule and more. However, Hafeez says that with this seasonal change, “there is a comfortable routine that this season brings…The cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage encourage us to spend time in nature, which has been connected with improvements in our happiness, wellbeing, relationships and sense of having a life purpose.”

Junior Kylie Schonhoff starts her fall celebrations in mid-September, saying that “anything before September is too early.” When she does start celebrating, she loves to bake fall treats, go to Scary Acres with her friends, go to pumpkin patches and carve pumpkins as well.

Sophomore Eva Anthony starts celebrating right when school begins because it brings her “a new mindset for a new season.” 

She enjoys the weather and “sometimes I’ll take walks or garden with my mom. I also really like dressing for fall and it gives me an excuse to go shopping for clothes.”

Overall, whether fall starts Aug. 15 or Sept. 21 is up to the individual themselves. However, if you do tend to lean on the early side of things, it’s most likely the temporal landmark of school that inspires your readiness for a new routine and fresh start. However, if you feel like it shouldn’t start until later in September, you’re right on time.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!