Decorate Pumpkins
Apart from the traditional carving methods, the Internet gives so many options for ways to cleverly decorate pumpkins. Whether you love painting or using power tools, there is a decorating option for you.
Jump In Leaves
Part chore, part fun – jumping in leaves is a great fall activity and a rite of passage for childhood. Do Mom and Dad a favor and leave them in an unjumped pile.
Change The Scent Of Your Home
Nothing says fall like the scent of apples, cinnamon, pumpkin and the various spices we use in baking. Now is the time to add your choice of fall scents to the air in your home. To avoid the risk of burning candles, invest in a plug-in burner that melts wax blocks containing the scent of your choice.
Do A Fire Drill
Your kids are doing lots of fire drills at school these days, so it stands to reason that they are aware of the danger of fire and the fact that it is necessary to know how to get out and where to go in the case of a fire. Now is the time to teach them the home fire safety rules and do a practice fire drill.
Review Safety Plans
While you and your kids are in safety mode, have the stranger danger talk with them and review various strategies for staying safe. If you have a home security system, review the basics with them, especially the emergency call button and two-way communication feature.
Drink Apple Cider.
Try it both warm and cold and discuss the relative benefits of each. Take a vote on which way your family prefers it.
Bake Something and Share It
When fall comes, people start to bake again. Few of us can resist baked treats like cookies, sweet breads or muffins. This is a great opportunity to start teaching your kids about baking and about being kind to others. Choose an elderly neighbor, a friend who has been struggling recently or your local firefighters and gift them with a little treat.
Host a Potluck Meal
If you wait till your home is perfect, you’ll never do anything. Plan a potluck meal with some friends or neighbors at your house. Make a theme like “everything orange” or “fall dishes” and have everyone bring something to share. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just have fun.
Plan A Fall Family Movie Night
While watching movies is a year round activity, a fall movie night needs to consist of a scary movie or at least a classic like “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. Snacks should be fall-themed: popcorn balls instead of popcorn, candy corn instead of regular candy and apple cider or hot chocolate instead of soda.
Celebrate a Holiday That’s Not Yours
We typically celebrate the same holidays every year. However, around the world there are lots of things celebrated in the fall months. Choose one and celebrate it. Some of the best include Canadian Thanksgiving, Oktoberfest, Columbus Day and Bonfire Night. If you choose Bonfire Night, abide by local fire regulations or have a fire in your fireplace.
Bring the Outside In
Walk through your yard and neighborhood, collecting the trappings of fall: colored leaves, pinecones, acorns, pecans and dried branches. Make a small collection and place them in a glass dish as a seasonal decoration.
De-Clutter Before Holiday Giving Begins
A wonderful life lesson for kids, and one we need to be reminded of as adults sometimes, is that there is such a thing as too much stuff, and there are many people even in our own town who are in need. Before holiday gifts arrive, do a major cleanout of toys, clothing, your pantry and other areas of your home. Make sure the items you remove go to someone who needs them or an organization that will distribute them appropriately.
Try a New Craft
Many crafters refocus their efforts on their handicrafts in the fall, as the evenings get longer and preparations for holiday gifting begin. This is a great time to try a new craft or teach your child a new craft. Even the latest craze – bracelets made from rubber bands – qualifies as a new craft.
With a little planning on your part, rich adventures and beautiful memories await you and your family this fall.
