Pumpkin spice. Just the words sound cozy, don’t they? The moment you hear them, you can almost feel the warmth of a cardigan, smell cinnamon in the air, and imagine leaves crunching beneath your feet. And yet, this year, fall feels like it arrived earlier than ever – sneaking up on me before I was even ready to trade in my flip-flops for boots.
Now, don’t get me wrong – fall is my favorite season. Fall may belong to everyone but is extra special to me as it’s my birthday month (Septembernest– the cozy, nesting vibe of fall arriving) which makes it even more special.
But still, when I spotted the fall menus rolling out in August, I thought: Wait a minute, isn’t this a little too soon? Global warming and climate shifts aside, it feels like nature decided to flip the calendar ahead of schedule. One day, I’m soaking in the summer sun, and the next I’m pulling on a light cardigan in the morning and sipping hot cider in the evening.
Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar
Of course, I can’t complain too much – because with early fall comes all the pumpkin goodness I adore. For years, my family has had a sweet little tradition: a trip to Dairy Queen for their heavy, chunky, utterly amazing pumpkin blizzard. It’s not just dessert – it’s the taste of fall in a cup, a swirl of happiness we look forward to every year. This week, I even got to try a pumpkin waffle, and yes, it was every bit as delicious as it sounds.
So maybe fall did show up early. Maybe August really is the new September. But if it means enjoying crisp mornings, apple cider, and pumpkin treats a little sooner, I’ll take it. After all, pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor – it’s a season, a feeling, and a reminder to soak in all the color and joy this time of year brings.
Because honestly? Life’s just better with a little pumpkin spice and everything nice.
Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.