Autumn has always been my favorite season but this year its arrival feels bittersweet. Even though pumpkins have been scattered across my home and I’ve been sipping on pumpkin spiced drinks for a month, I haven’t been fully embracing fall like in past years. Part of me has been wanting to hold on to warm evenings and the sun setting after 8pm, lush green trees and the smell of the grill, shorts and flip flops. Having a kid has made me so acutely aware of time and how fleeting it can be and so despite my love for all things fall, it’s been a slower goodbye to summer this year. With that being said, I think I’m finally ready for this new season… I’d say this is perfect timing as the autumn equinox officially arrived today.

These chilly days have been so glorious. Neighborhood walks and weekend hikes have been refreshing. Most days, you can find me in a sweatshirt with a warm mug of something between my hands. Our home smells of baked apples and a pumpkin (Jackson’s pumpkin) decorates our doorsteps. Days are more relaxed as I gravitate towards the coziness of our home rather than the sense of adventure summer brings.

My favorite way to spend an afternoon lately is sitting on the floor with Jackson, a mug of tea in hand (or coffee, if I’m feeling particularly sleepy), playing with him and his toys, and watching a movie in the background. Just like there are movies we associate with the Christmas season, there are so many that call my name in the fall.

So, pull on your coziest sweats, make a mug of your favorite warm drink, grab a snack, climb onto the couch, and start working your way through this movie list with me!