As the Seasons Change


The change of seasons in my family is always something we celebrate. When winter turns to spring, we’re all overjoyed at the fact that there’s no more shoveling snow to be done and that nicer weather is finally coming. I’m probably the only weirdo in the world who actually likes the cold weather, but by the end of winter, I have to admit I’m pretty over it. My dad jokes that he likes it because he can finally turn the heat off and stop paying so much for the gas bill. Spring is always that awkward in-between of being freezing in the morning, but weirdly hot in the afternoon. And it rains. So. Much. Everyone loves a good rain day, but too much and our basement gets all wet and damp and I have to wear rain boots just to do laundry! Besides that, spring time usually means spring cleaning around the house, which is something we all look forward to. 
When spring turns to summer, my mom and I always go out shopping for a new bathing suits and beach gear. The first warm day, like 70 degrees plus, is always my favorite. I break out my favorite pair of shorts that somehow have fit me since freshman year of high school (black Nike running shorts, even though I don’t run anymore) and my favorite t-shirt with a pair of flip flops. Summertime reminds me that I like to live the simple life. No makeup, no effort, just me, the sun and my favorite book on the beach.
My favorite season of all time is fall, and no it’s not because that’s when my birthday is. I remember reading Lord of the Rings in middle school and being jealous that my birthday wasn’t closer to the fall equinox like Bilbo Baggins. Fitting now I suppose that my little brother has nicknamed me Bilbo or Hobbit (since I’m so short). Fall is my favorite season because of the crisp air. Crunchy leaves. Hot cider and Halloween. Traditionally, my family always goes out apple picking in September and pumpkin picking in October. We go to haunted houses and corn mazes. It truly is the greatest season, not just for me, but it’s when my family is at its best. My favorite memories of fall come from us sitting around the table, carving our pumpkins together. My older brothers making fun of my sister for not wanting to put her hand inside to get out all the seeds. Me, loving it and wanting to get everyone’s seeds. Competitions to see who can carve their pumpkin the best and fastest. Roasting the seeds in the oven and baking cookies. Watching a Halloween movie with cider and our oven-baked goodies with the pets curled up at our feet, watching with us. 
Thanksgiving for us signifies the end of fall, because after dinner, we put up our Christmas tree and our decorations for the front yard. For us it’s already wintertime. Everyone says we jump the gun, but hey, Walmart has had their Christmas stuff out since November 1st! If anyone’s jumping the gun, it’s them not us. I love decorating the tree because each of us has our own ornaments we put on the tree. My family has saved them since we were little. Some people go out and buy new decorations every year, but our decorations are like taking a trip down memory lane. I love winter almost as much as I love summer. (Winter comes in second place mostly because budding up takes a little extra effort and I can be pretty lazy.) But I look forward to the first snow fall, going sledding with my siblings, drinking hot chocolate and building snowmen. My favorite winter tradition in my family is that on Christmas morning, we don’t open presents first. We make breakfast together. A lot of families wake up super early and open presents first thing in the morning what that's not what it's about for us. Yes, the presents are wonderful and appreciated and we have a ton of fun, but it's always been important for us to remember that for us, it's about family. And for one day, and one day only, you can have whatever you want. Ice cream, cookies, the limits are endless. It’s only when breakfast is over and we all have eaten as a family that we sit down and open presents, one person at a time, and we always say thank you.
 To be honest, I feel bad for people who live in places that don’t experience the changes of seasons, because for my family, the change of season just means it’s time for the next seasonally inspired family adventure.

Comments

  1. MelaniCookiesSeptember 29, 2019 at 11:02 AM

    Allison,

    I enjoyed reading this in part because it made me think of all the traditions that I partake in with my family that I take for granted. Also, your detailed descriptions give me a warm, fuzzy feeling and make me care about your family's activities and intricacies.

    One suggestion that I have is for the conclusion. I'm sure that you do feel bad for people who don't experience the seasons changing so distinctly, but I think the bigger picture here is that you probably feel bad for people who don't have families, or aren't part of families with such rich culture and so much love. The first time I read your final sentence, I was expecting you to say something like, "I feel bad for people who don't have families like mine." I also have an awesome family, and I think it's a privilege that is very easy to overlook!

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