When I was in elementary school, the hallways this time of year were filled with colorful cut-out leaves, handprint turkeys and fake pumpkins. We even had a day designated as our “Harvest Festival,” where we wore fall-themed T-shirts and took a class picture on hay bales.
However, as time has gone by, Christmas decorations started popping up earlier and earlier. Once the clock strikes midnight on Oct. 31, all the scary ghosts and jack-o’-lanterns go right back into the attic, while Christmas trees and garlands begin showing up in windows.
In my family, we have always been Christmas fanatics (my dad plays Christmas music year-round). But it’s important to let Thanksgiving have its time before we start hanging our stockings.
Many people I’ve spoken to have agreed on one thing: When we were younger, the month of November was dedicated to Thanksgiving activities and crafts. My parents have multiple pictures of me in a pilgrim costume from school, and my hand turkeys sit somewhere in our home office.
From the perspective of a college student, November represents the transition period between the fun and crazy Halloween and the joyful cheer (and much-needed break) that comes in December. It also may represent a time of stress and burnout as we anticipate the end of the semester. This is why holding out on decorating for Christmas and truly appreciating Thanksgiving is more beneficial than trying to rush the holiday season in. Taking the month of November to embrace the changing weather and setting our intentions for the rest of the semester can help calm any anxiety caused by school.
Embracing the Thanksgiving season can also keep us more grounded in the present. Many have claimed that the years have gone by faster, and personally, I feel as though 2025 went by in a flash.
By participating in fall traditions, we acknowledge the current season that we’re in and start winding down for the end of the year. We can use this time to reflect on our year so far and plan how we want to end it.
If you’re struggling to stay grounded in the Thanksgiving season, here are some ways that I embrace fall:
1. Lighting fall-scented candles
At home, my favorite fall scent was pumpkin and vanilla waffles. I lit it when I needed to study or do homework, enjoying the fall vibe. Here in Gainesville, my roommates and I have already found a substitute candle and light it frequently.
2. Consume Thanksgiving media
A Thanksgiving staple in my household was “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” Each year, I anticipated watching the Peanuts characters celebrate Thanksgiving, and I hoped to recreate that sense of community and closeness with my family. Additionally, I listen to Thanksgiving jazz mixes on YouTube, which help set the tone for the season.
3. Decorating for Thanksgiving
As I’ve mentioned, intentionally setting out fall decorations and choosing to keep Christmas decorations away can help us to embrace the season. When I started college, my parents and I made a trip to Hobby Lobby to hunt for fall decorations. On the top shelf of my desk, a string of pumpkins with the message “Thankful” written on them reminds me to be grateful for the people in my life and my college journey so far.
While the Christmas season is beloved by many, I encourage you to put it aside for now and embrace fall while it’s here. Christmas can wait just a little longer.
Isabella Cabrera is an 18-year old political science freshman.
Isabella Cabrera is an 18-year-old UF political science freshman.
