I cannot figure out what happen to the month of September. It. Flew. By. I guess the old phrase, “Time flies when you are having fun” must be true, because every Fall I feel a little anxiety over how fast the season slips by, and if there will be enough time to do all the fun fall activities! I’m excited for all that October has to offer. For me, October is all about the pumpkin. It’s actually National Apple Month, but I can’t shake the feeling that October and pumpkins just go together. I know a lot of people love Halloween and devote the month of October to all sorts of Halloween festivities, but to be honest, Halloween is pretty low on my favorite holiday list. I don’t do spooky or gory, and struggle with the dark side of the holiday, so we stick to fun costumes and sweet traditions. Here is a post I wrote last year about Halloween traditions that are sweet and family friendly if you are looking for some fun ideas. We also love to celebrate All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) which are obviously not in October, but you know planning for those first of the month holidays can be tricky! Here’s a post with ideas for simple All Saints Day Celebrations if you want to plan ahead.
Here is this month’s round up of days, activities and foods to celebrate and make the most of the month ahead!
Days to Celebrate
4th- N. Taco Day
5th- Do Something Nice Day
26th- N. Pumpkin Day
29th- N. Oatmeal Day
30th- N. Candy Corn Day
Memories to Make
- Go on a Pumpkin Walk- One of our favorite fall traditions, it’s simple and special! We like to go later in October when the jack-o-lanterns are appearing and the evenings are cool here in KS. We take cider along to sip and stroll the neighborhood counting pumpkins on porches looking for the porch/house with the most pumpkins!
- Have a black & orange dinner- Have a meal (or snack) with as many black and orange foods as you can think of. Carrots, oranges, black olives, etc. Round the meal out with pumpkin shaped grilled cheese or quesadillas.
- Enjoy an outdoor movie night- Cuddle up and watch a movie outside. We like to use a projector, but you can get cozy around a laptop or tablet, too. We enjoy It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or Curious George Boo-fest for family friendly flicks.
- Have a festive afternoon snack- It’s amazing how much joy a simple, but festive snack can bring my kids. Instead of a free for all when they walk in the door, or at your regular snack time, have a special snack prepared. Toss some candy corn into popcorn or prepare a little apple dipping station with caramel dip and some toppings.
- Pick a pumpkin- We love to head to the local pumpkin patch, but grabbing one at the grocery store works, too. Just take a little time to pick the perfect one!
- Make a pumpkin house- I’ve seen this idea a few times on the internet this year, and I think it’s just the cutest. I think my boys will really get into it. You can carve or paint the pumpkin to look like a little home. Here is a post with some inspiration.
Books to Checkout
Definitely all about the pumpkin with our October selections:
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
Pumpkin Town by Katie McKy
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Poht
Pumpkin Trouble by Jan Thomas
It’s Pumpkin Day Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Spread the Love
“Boo” your neighbor. Have you been “Booed” before? It’s been popular on the internet for a couple of years now, although we’ve never participated. You leave goodies on a neighbor’s porch with a note that say’s they’ve been “Booed”. The idea is that the neighbors pass it on by “Booing” someone else. I love the idea of “Booing” someone that won’t be participating in Trick or Treating, but enjoy a little festive fun…such as an elderly neighbor, single friend or even a family with just teenagers. The goodies can be anything you fancy from baked goods to a bottle of wine. Here’s a free printable that you can use!
Invite some friends over for a Chili Dinner. October is national chili month which makes it the perfect month to host a chili dinner. Invite friends or neighbors over to enjoy a pot of your best chili. I love the idea of an backyard chili feed with a little bonfire action. Allow the guests to bring fixins and sides. And don’t forget the cinnamon rolls. (It’s a Kansas thing, but you gotta have cinnamon rolls with our chili!)
A Recipe to Share
Pumpkin Pancakes- Pumpkin pancakes are such a delicious way to start a fall morning. Here’s a recipe that is sooo good, perfect for a Saturday morning before you head out for a Fall adventure!
Living Liturgically
October is the month of the Rosary, so it is the perfect time to start praying the Rosary as a family. If your kids are younger try starting with a decade or using m&ms as counters. There are some great feast days as well.
I hope you have a wonderful October celebrating and making memories!
Meg
