Fall brings plenty to look forward to, from crisp weather and changing leaves to football games and family traditions. Although over 40% of American adults say fall is their favorite season, this time of year can often be one of the busiest as school and fall sports resume and work and social events fill the calendar. A little planning for the whole family before you’re in the middle of the season can help everyone enjoy the season while staying organized for the months ahead. Use this fall checklist to get a head start on the season while still making plenty of room to enjoy it.
1. Stock the freezer for busy nights
Between school activities, sports, work, and other commitments, weeknight dinners can become more difficult as schedules fill up. Set aside an afternoon to prepare a few meals you can freeze and pull out when you need them. Soups, chilis, casseroles, pasta dishes, and slow-cooker meals all make for great options. You can also keep smaller staples on hand, such as frozen breakfast sandwiches or pre-portioned ingredients for quick dinners. A stocked freezer can make busy evenings easier and help your family rely less on last-minute takeout.
2. Check out local fall events
Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy fun outdoor activities. Check your local events for fall festivals, farmers markets, pumpkin patches, apple picking, sporting events, craft markets, and other seasonal activities. Take a look at what is happening in your community and ask everyone in the family to choose an activity they would like to do. Putting a few favorites on the calendar early can help ensure the season doesn’t pass before you get around to them.
3. Make time for traditions at home
Some of the best fall activities don’t require going anywhere. Bring back a favorite family tradition or start a new one this year, like carving pumpkins, baking a favorite dessert, or watching a favorite fall movie. If you have children or grandchildren, let them take turns choosing an activity. Something simple can quickly become a tradition everyone looks forward to each year.
4. Get a head start on holiday planning
The holidays may still feel far away at the beginning of fall, but calendars can—and will—fill up quickly. Now is the perfect time to start planning holiday menus, determining who will be hosting, coordinating dates, and making reservations and bookings for those who may need to travel over the holidays. This is also a good time to talk about the holiday traditions your family wants to continue—or anything you might want to do differently this year.
5. Bring the family calendar together
School events, sports, appointments, work commitments, weekend trips, and holiday gatherings can create a complicated family schedule. Whether you prefer a calendar on the refrigerator or a shared digital calendar, put important dates in one place. Look for potential conflicts and make plans early when possible. While you’re at it, consider leaving some time on the calendar intentionally open. Whether it’s a few free weekends or simply a few weeknight evenings, remember that not every free space on the calendar needs to be filled.
6. Have an autumn money check-in
With most of the year behind you, fall is a good opportunity to see how your household finances are tracking. Review your spending and savings goals, consider larger expenses you expect before the end of the year, and revisit any financial goals you set earlier in the year. You may find there are goals you still have time to work toward or expenses you can begin preparing for now.
7. Set your holiday budget early
Speaking of checking in with your finances, early fall is a great time to think about your family’s holiday budget. Gifts are only one part of holiday spending—travel, meals, decorations, entertaining, events, and other seasonal expenses can all add up to more than you realize. Before holiday shopping begins, decide what you are comfortable spending in each area. Setting those limits early can help guide your decisions once the season gets busy.
8. Make giving a family conversation
As the season of giving approaches, talk about how your family would like to support others in need this year. That could mean volunteering together, contributing to a food or toy drive, supporting a local family in need, or making a charitable donation. Consider giving children or grandchildren a role in choosing how your family gives back. Making giving a family conversation creates an opportunity to learn about the causes that matter to each family member while creating a meaningful tradition together.
Final thoughts
Fall doesn’t have to be about fitting as much as possible into a few short months. Taking care of a few practical tasks early can make it easier to enjoy seasonal traditions, spend time together, and head into the holidays feeling prepared. We hope you’ll consider adding a few of these tips into your routine this season. Happy fall!
