10 Simple Indulgences to Help You Enjoy a Fabulous Fall

In the autumn, when the natural world is dying and when leaves decompose underfoot, something eternal and hopeful awakens in me. I wrap myself in my longest sweater, the one with the sleeves that extend past my fingertips, and I make hot cocoa, wrapping my hands around the mug and sitting on the couch with my knees tucked into my sweater while I read a novel or catch up on all the correspondence that I neglected during the busy summer months. I start cooking new recipes with names like "Roasted Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Apples and Honeyed Pecans" and "Streusel Topped Pumpkin Bread," which I make with double walnuts. Autumn may allow you to adopt a slower pace for you and your family, even as you head into the busy holiday season. Here are more reasons to fall in love with fall – and ten simple indulgences to help you enjoy it. 1. Take a fall hike among the fallen leaves today. Afterwards, stop for a hot mocha or a cinnamon latte. 2. Warm up with some mulled cider or mulled wine. Both of these cold-weather treats are easy to make. You can find basic recipes on the Internet, which you can then adapt to your personal taste. 3. Draw the drapes and cozy up under the covers with a thick, juicy new novel. 4. Start on your homemade holiday presents. Each year, we strive to make something handmade for each of our special family members. Start outlining what you might be able to create this year. If you don't knit or sew, maybe you could take a special photograph or offer to treat the recipient to a night out in your town. 5. Ask your family to tell you which holiday traditions are most important to them. Do you have time in your calendar to form new ones? Or maybe your holiday season is already too busy and it's time to pare down. 6. In preparation for Thanksgiving, ask each family member to start a simple gratitude journal. If your kids are too young to write down what they are grateful for, encourage them to draw pictures. 7. Make a bowl of buttery popcorn, gather as many pillows as you can, and watch a movie. 8. Make the seasonal transition in your closets. Store your summery items and place a $10 bill in the pocket of your favorite summer outfit, where it will bring you a smile next season (and, very likely, an iced mocha or ice cream cone). When the closet cleaning is through, treat yourself to a new winter scarf. 9. Enjoy the delectable fall fruits. Crack open a pomegranate. Roast pumpkin seeds. Try a new recipe for apple pie. 10. Prepare well in advance for your Thanksgiving celebration. You'll enjoy the holiday more if it's not packed and frantic with to-dos. Visit your favorite recipe site or sit down with your favorite magazine to make a plan.