There is no doubt that everyone is over 2020. It feels as if everything has been taken from us - including our fall festivals. While most families are trying to balance a hybrid or at-home school model, pumpkin spice is filling the air. It may even seem to be permeating through our windows at this point.

If you have the chance to attend a fall festival or other event this fall, do not take it for granted. Head out to any and all options if you can (and feel safe doing so). For others who are waiting for a more normal feel to life, this fall is presenting many new challenges and opportunities. (Not sure which is more prevalent? Probably challenges!)

How can you get excited about different fall and holiday traditions? First, you must mourn your previous ones, but hold faith that they will come again. Next, you must create a ‘2020 Bucket List’ full of fun fall things to do!

10 Fall Traditions for 2020

1. Plan a Getaway:  There is no better time than now to run away for a long weekend (or mid-week-trip). Virtual school (or homeschooling) provides this opportunity, and if you are able to work remotely, you won’t even need to take much time off! If a resort scares you, stick with a great Bed and Breakfast or an Airbnb or VRBO. Escape somewhere the leaves change colors and fall feels like fall.
2. Decorate the House: If ever there was a time to decorate, it is now. You can decorate inside for yourselves and outside to spread cheer to others. You can add pumpkins, garland, leaves, and berries. You can do crafts or use store-bought items. You can be as creative as you’d like!
3. Play in the Leaves: As the leaves change colors and fall to the ground, let them accumulate before raking them up. Get a great pile built up and set your camera to take a picture every 2 seconds as you all run and jump into the leaves!
4. Bake Pies: You can roll out your own crust or sample the different varieties from your local bakery aisle.  Choose several pies to try throughout the fall.
5. Roast Pumpkin Seeds: Eat them roasted, add them to your side dishes, toss them on your salads, or make a trail mix. Roasting pumpkin seeds is simple and you can add your favorite seasonings to amp up the flavor.
6. Go Hiking: Fall is the greatest season to take in nature. The sky is blue, the air is crisp, the views are worth driving to see. Lave up your boots and hit the trails.
7. Roast Marshmallows Outside: It’s fire pit season! Gather the kids up (and a neighbor or two, if you feel comfortable) and light your fire pit. Grab the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars for an evening full of sugar and fun!
8. Bake Sugar Cookies: While sugar cookies are normally reserved for the winter holidays, this year calls for extra sugar. Roll out your dough and use leaf, pumpkin, and turkey-shaped cutters to make festive cookies.
9. Camp in the Backyard: Pitch a tent, blow up an air mattress, roll out some sleeping bags, and sleep outside.
10. Mail Handwritten ‘Grateful’ Notes: You and the kids can all spend a few days writing and crafting cards for those you miss and love. If you won’t be gathering together this season, finding your note in the mail will fill their hearts with happiness.