Post-it Notes & pumpkin patches

I feel like I’ve blinked and it’s now October. To me, this is such a special time of year. The holidays are nearly upon us. We have settled into the routine of the new school year and we are beginning to think about what we are going to ask Santa for this year, as well as putting the final touches on our Halloween costumes.

There is something magical about this time of year. I’m constantly surrounded by children sharing what they’re excited about. I work with first graders and have a five- and seven-year-old of my own, so you can imagine this time of year is filled with buzzing from the children with so much anticipation. I must admit it is contagious at times. Exhausting, yes, but also palpable.

Simple rituals define this season in my mind. There’s a comfortable familiarity to this time of year that feels like home. I love going to the pumpkin patch at Spencer’s. The wagon ride out to the patch is so much fun. There’s nothing like pulling out the boxes of fall decor and seeing our house transform from normal to cozy fall almost instantly.

I love when the Christmas catalogs come out with all their toys for this season and seeing my children place Post-It notes all over the items they’re hoping Santa brings.

I love everything about this season. The endless lists that organize the exciting times that await, making sure to have enough candy for the trick-or-treaters, and a relaxing week off for Fall break to recharge before the sprint to Christmas break.

My home has been filled with the warm scents of autumn. My daughter is all about baking right now. She loves trying new things and fall is the perfect time to get out the old family recipes and experiment with new ones. I love making homemade mulled wine.

It’s a busy time of year for sure, but I want to make sure to pause and take it all in. I don’t want to miss any of this and get lost in the details of the busyness. My kids are little and home. I don’t want to waste a second of my energy on anything that distracts me from the magic. I want to use this time to rest and recharge.

I know I will blink and it will be the new year. I just want to make sure that I take it in and spend every moment I can making memories with my family and appreciate it all.

May your October usher in a wonderful season of calm and beautiful memories. Now, bring on hot chocolate!

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.