Fall Fun and Other Memories
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Fall Fun and Other Memories
By Anne Donegan Costas
I enjoy fall. I enjoy every season for different reasons. But fall holds many precious memories for me with my family. Some say this part of Texas doesn’t have seasons, but I would disagree. I definitely feel a difference with each season. Our seasons are not as dramatic as other parts of the United States or World, but we do have them, in my opinion. One of my babies was born in November and I was pregnant all through the hot summer. I can remember, as if it was yesterday, our first real cool front that year.
I was standing at our front door, facing north, and the blue clouds coming from the north brought the cool air within just moments of my standing there. It was perfect!
Halloween ~~ Fall Memories
We spent every Halloween at my paternal grandparent’s home. Our entire side of the family would come. It was probably close to 40 or more. Breaking the pinata wide open was one of my favorite things on Halloween. Our grandmother also made homemade apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream. She made them fresh and kept them warm for that night.
I attended a local elementary school and we always had our school carnival the night before Halloween which made it extra special. Some would wear their costumes and some participated in the Talent Show. But we all enjoyed the treats and games each homeroom made available for all who came. My mother made popcorn balls every year and they were always a hit. So many good memories.
Thanksgiving ~~ Fall Memories
Thanksgiving followed pretty quickly on the heels of Halloween. We were ready for some time off and always looked forward to spending time with our family. We celebrated this holiday at my paternal grandparent’s home also. I had cousins my age and others who were close to my age. Our grandparents had a big yard and lots of trees. We had plenty of room to run and play while waiting for lunch to be served.
Current Fall Memories
Time passes and things change. Traditions change. After marriage my husband and I tried to take the best of both of our childhood’s and recreate fun traditions for our children. I think we did a pretty good job. The hard part, for me now, is getting use to my own children beginning their own traditions. We were blessed because both my sets of grandparents, my parents and my husband and I all lived in the same small town. So we could have our own traditions and still continue to participate with our grandparents and parents. I know time marches on and I am especially reminded of it during the holidays. As my husband and I joke frequently to each other and our adult children, “What do you think? You have your own lives now?” Our family uses humor frequently to get through rough spots. It reminds us not to take life too seriously.
My hope for each of you is that you have precious memories to cling to as our world changes. It is nice to have some things that will never change.
Have a Happy Fall! Enjoy our change in the weather. Blessings ~~~