Vibrant Fall Colors Mean the Holidays are Upon Us
DEP fall contest: “What does fall mean to you?”
When autumn comes around, vibrant colors hearken me back to my childhood. Life seemed simpler, more carefree then. I was 6 years old in 1946. That’s when my parents decided to homestead in a mountainous area. The soil was hardscrabble, full of shale. Settlers before us tried to make a living and failed. The forest grew around remnants of their stone walls.
I grew up in the New York woods near the Hudson River. Fall was always a spectacular time of year. Red, yellow, and orange leaves fluttered down from deciduous trees. It transformed our dirt road into a multicolored carpet. I loved the rustling sound as my shoes kicked varicolored litter while walking to school. My brothers and I would rake a huge pile of them, then take a running jump and bury ourselves within.
The sky was filled with Canadian geese honking overhead in a V-formation on their way south. I felt invigorated with energy in the cooler temperature and softened sunlight. There was a pronounced earthy smell in the air. Our garden was put to bed and the harvest preserved in canning jars for winter.
On Girl Scout campouts we hiked woodland trails and sat around campfires at night. Jungle breakfast items hung from tree branches. Plaster casts preserved animal footprints and leaves. We enjoyed hayrack rides, picking apples, carving pumpkins and bobbing for apples. There were impromptu skits with items hidden in paper sandwich bags.
Halloween was a joyous affair. We wore homemade costumes walking with our parents along country lanes. Residents in decorated houses handed out popcorn and homemade brownies and cookies. It was a time of innocence after WWII. There was no fear of harmful items imbedded in candy or apples.
By Thanksgiving most leaves had fallen. The smell of burning leaves permeated the air. My mother would prepare a rare scrumptious meal for the holiday. We feasted on turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade apple pie. We indulged in board games afterwards. We didn’t have a TV. Radio programs provided evening entertainment.
Christmas celebrations and activities followed. I decorated our house with club moss wreaths and pine cones. We children eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus. We gathered around a huge lighted spruce tree in the town square. Festive carols lifted our spirits with hands wrapped around mugs of hot chocolate. Santa distributed small presents and candy canes as we took turns sitting on his lap.
The fall colors announced the beginning of a magical time for us kids. There was something to look forward to with each successive month. Outdoor chores diminished. We could take a welcome rest. The days seemed more peaceful. Jack Frost created pretty scenes on window panes. Our cast iron coal stove radiated heat again. Wool sweaters, winter coats and hats dispelled the cold. You could see your breath in the air. I recall the memories with fondness.
Fall is symbolic of change.The season invites you to slow down and reflect on the good in your life. Falling leaves encourage us to let go of harmful habits. Shed all excess and provide restful moments to refresh your spirit. A fruitful harvest reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we’ve received. Embrace an attitude of peace and goodwill to all.
Hoped you enjoyed reminiscing with me.
This is my contribution to the DEP fall contest: