It seems that Fall never gets its fair shake in the spilt of seasons. As soon as Labor Day wraps up, we get a small sprinkle of pumpkin spice and jack-o-lanterns and then we are blasted with snowflakes, Santa, flash holiday sales and of course, bombarded with Mariah Carey.
As much as I love a good gift and cup of cocoa, the race to December has become so blatant over the last few years. This race leaves no room for the autumn wonderment of October and November to flourish. Even Thanksgiving, as problematic as it is (insert slain Native tribes raped of their territories, resources, culture and land), doesn’t get any limelight as a holiday. It’s really just a marker for Black Friday. My plea this holiday season, SLOW DOWN! I’d personally like to revel in Fall a bit. As an East coaster/New Yorker, I love to watch the leaves change and enjoy the switch from tank tops and shorts to the infamous sweater weather.
I even enjoy a good apple or pumpkin picking, and don’t get me started on cider donuts! But really, I do not need the express train for the holiday season, because once the tinsel falls and the wrapping paper is tossed away, all that’s left of winter is bitter cold weather and mounds of snow. Now I’m not saying to forgo Christmas and its capitalistic ways (my love language is gifts after all), we should definitely be able to honor our loved ones with presents. But let’s be deliberate about enjoying the time and season in between. Before December hits, give your family and friends the gift of your time and snuggles. Allow fall to set the backdrop for a season of relaxation and boo-loving (point 7 on the Hot girl summer checklist). We’ve just come through the isolation of 2020 and a pandemic that kept loved ones apart; let’s begin the fall with some humanity and quality time well spent.
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Li Lee
Native Brooklynite and home chef, Li Lee has a natural zest for life, food and anything that sparks joy (Marie Kondo style). Her writings and recipes provide the scene to reflect on her Afro-Caribbean upbringing, relate with her ever-changing present in the Big Apple and reveal her internal thoughts and inside jokes all behind the comforts of the keyboard.