Having lived in 8 different decades, it occurs to me that my favorite month of the year is October.  Ok, April and December are close seconds, but the first full month of the Fall is always a welcome sight on the calendar.

Of course there are some minor distractions and dislikes for every month, even October.  But the plus side of the column has far more attractive features.

Things to love about October!

1. Football.  When my sons played high school football, few nights compared to Friday Night Lights on a crisp October evening.  Then Saturdays had my favorite college team kicking off. Pigskin nirvana!
2. Cooler temperatures.  It is sweater weather! Or as some folks put it, “wear a sweater in the morning, regret it in the afternoon.” October often finds you dressed warmly in the morning only to strip down to shorts and a t-shirt by late afternoon.  Plus, an Indian summer can only occur in October.
3. Apple season.  I look forward to dreamy apple pies, caramel apples, and hot apple cider!
4. Fall Festivals. Small towns celebrate the season with all kinds of festival themes. You never have to travel far in Georgia on an October Saturday to find some local communities having their annual Fall Festival! Don’t forget Oktoberfest. It may have German heritage, but who cares when it offers a good excuse to dress up in lederhosen and funny hats.  
5. Hot soups are back!  I eat soup all year round but they always seem to taste better when there is a chill in the air. Comfort food makes its return. 
6. Mosquitos have died!  No explanation needed!
7. Leaves start to change.  There are few sights in nature more beautiful than a colorful canvas of a forest’s autumn leaves changing color and carpeting the ground.
8. Halloween.  I’m not a big fan of Halloween, but I try to focus on the fun aspect of it. And remind myself that the following days, November 1, is All Saints Day  and November 2, All Souls Day, when we celebrate those who have gone on before us.
9. Drinking hot chocolate just feels right!
10. 10.World Series!  Baseball season reaches its climax with the World Series!  Always hoping to see my Atlanta Braves in the Fall Classic.

What I don’t like about October?

1. Medicare ads explode in the media.
2. Christmas decor goes on sale.  The Hallmark Channel even starts their Christmas movies in October. That’s a little too soon for this old traditionalist!
3. Horror films proliferate, with each one being more gross and gory than the last. 
4. Pumpkin Spice flavored everything. From candles to coffee, it’s a bit much for me.
5. My mailbox fills up with Christmas catalogs.

Despite these seasonal aberrations, I think the world is a happier place with Octobers. With earlier evenings and chillier weather, it’s time to locate those cozy blankets, and rest and relax with family.  Find an excuse for some cuddle time with my honey, and smile knowing Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.

But for now, I just want to enjoy some hot chocolate! I may even add a marshmallow or two.