The Magic of Fall Season: Why Are We Obsessed?

Photo Credit: Mathias Reding on Unsplash

October 6, 2022 | Québec City, Capitale-Nationale, Québec

The summer heat dissipates and bright orange leaves seem to soak up the sunlight. The wind is just cold enough to feel a sudden craving for a seasonal latte and to yearn for the comfort of a warm sweater.

October brought out the true colours of fall and I can see the city through a brand new filter. The sky is grey most of the time which casts a mellow hue on the city but cannot dim the cheerful colour of the changing leaves. It might even feel like time has slowed down at times like that.

Photo Credit: Flora Janos

I have been very much looking forward to fall in Québec City and now that it is here I can’t get enough of how beautiful the city is this season. There is an ambience of seasonal warmth with the serious tone of the grey roof of clouds over the city. It makes me feel inspired. Nature is giving its hurrah with its glorious colours before going into a deep slumber during the winter season. There is kind of a sense of urgency to have adventures, be productive, enjoy the weather and the beauty of the season to the fullest before the cold comes.

There are countless articles online this year that try to find the science behind the question why do people love fall so much? Study shows that temporal landmarks such as the fall season can increase motivation because entering a new season can induce a sense of new beginnings (Dai and Li, 2019). I truly feel like this fall season is a new chapter that I need to discover and as I look at my friends posting on social media I know I’m not alone with this feeling. Many people seem to be exhilarated by the changes of the season. It may be that Thanksgiving this month also evokes feelings like a sense of gratitude and appreciation this month as well. And it may be that the anticipation of Halloween brings a playfulness to the season as well. Whatever may be the reason there is a magical feeling to fall that is enjoyed and celebrated by many including me as well. 

How does the fall season make you feel? What is your favourite fall activity?

I hope this month brings good energy dear reader. Stay cozy and warm.

Reference:
Dai, H., & Li, C. (2019). How experiencing and anticipating temporal landmarks influence motivation. Current Opinion in Psychology, 26, 44–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.04.012

Author
Flora Janos
Community Liaison (Québec City, Capitale-Nationale)
for Y4Y Québec