“It was one of those perfect English autumnal days
which occur more frequently in memory than in life…”
Author P.D. James
Oh, may it not be so!
Autumn invites us to live more authentically. In a season full of rich colors, cooler air and quiet afternoons, it’s easy to chase an ideal of perfection and miss the small, meaningful moments that make life feel full. An authentic life is often built from noticing and savoring those imperfect, beautiful fragments of everyday living. When we pause — even briefly — to linger on these moments, they can imprint on us like a treasured photograph tucked into a well-loved scrapbook. What do you treasure about autumn?
20 Little Things To Treasure in Autumn
- Quiet dinners by the fire
- Reading mystery novels in a dim room
- Flannel sheets at the end of a long day
- Candles flickering
- The scents of cinnamon, orange and cloves
- Pumpkins
- Roasts, potatoes and carrots
- A fluffy feather bed on a cold night
- Watching movies tucked under soft blankets
- Cozy socks
- Pie baking in the oven
- The warm crackle of a wood stove
- Squash with buttered brown sugar
- Chili with cornbread and honey
- Wind rustling through leaves
- Lamps glowing through windows at dusk
- Laughter filling a room
- A game of Scrabble and popcorn
- Caramel apples
- Family gathered together
Photos: Ralph Lauren; final image courtesy of House Beautiful.
Autumn is a wonderful season, but if you don’t take a few moments to savor it, it can pass by quickly. This series of reflections on autumn bliss is a reminder to slow down and appreciate simple joys. We’re already more than halfway through the month — time moves fast when we don’t pay attention — so now is a great moment to pause and embrace the season.
What would you include on your list of 20 little things to treasure this autumn?
Those small, warm experiences are the heart of the season.
A portion of this post was originally featured in 2008.
Find the rest of the 31 Day series on the original blog.