September ushers in the back-to-school rush, while December and November bring major holidays but also lots of stress. That's just one of the many reasons October is our favorite month of the year. The Halloween decor, the crunchy leaves, the football — October has something for everyone, and it also happens to be the one Fall month that encourages you to relax and find your inner kid again.
Whether that means indulging in festive candy while marathoning horror movies or taking a weekend away to enjoy the wonders of nature, October is all about enjoying the beauty of the last waning days before the onslaught of holiday planning and New Year's resolution-making sets in. As the brilliant L.M. Montgomery wrote in Anne of Green Gables, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." And here are 31 reasons you should be too.
— Additional reporting by Macy Williams
1. The beauty of the changing leaves. 
Every year, nature puts on the ultimate show as the leaves change color. There's no better month of the year than October to enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves, whether you take a scenic drive or head off for a proper weekend vacation to get the full effect of the Fall foliage.
2. Sweater weather. 
After a long Summer of bathing suits and shorts, there's nothing like feeling the crisp October air and digging out your favorite chunky sweater for the first time of the season.
3. Everything is pumpkin flavored, and it's glorious. 
Like these yummy (and rich) pumpkin bars!
4. Friday night football. 
Friday night football games at your local high school are a major event. There's nothing like getting together with your community to root for the home team while also catching up on the latest gossip in the stands.
5. Planning a creative costume is a new challenge every year. 
It's freeing to try on a different identity for one day a year with a creative costume idea. Challenge accepted!
6. Candles that bring the smells of Fall inside. 
Yes, you can have candles all year round, but Fall candles are the best. When October arrives, the shelves are full of pumpkin spice, crunchy leaves, and hot cocoa scented candles that bring all of the smells of the season inside your home.
7. If you want a thrill, there are haunted houses all over the place. 
America has some genuinely terrifying haunted houses for those brave enough to make it through.
8. Apple picking with your significant other. 
October is apple picking season, and the activity is perfect for couples. There's something inherently romantic about spending a day in the orchard with your sweetheart.
9. There are so many games to play that are only acceptable this month. 
Bobbing for apples can only happen in the Fall — it just makes sense!
10. Bonfire nights with friends. 
Grab some marshmallows, sticks, coffee, and your best pals, because it's officially bonfire season. Those cool October nights are ideal for outdoor gatherings around a crackling fire.
11. There is nothing better than a spooky Halloween party. 
Throw a spectacular All Hallows' Eve bash so you don't have to go searching for a celebration outside of your home. Who doesn't love a costume party?
12. Drinking your first hot chocolate of the season. 
As much as we love pumpkin spice lattes, it's hard to beat that first sip of hot chocolate in the Fall.
13. Jack-o'-lanterns light up the night. 
Choose a creative pumpkin stencil and turn your gourd into a front-porch masterpiece. You'll feel so accomplished once it's flickering for everyone to see.
14. Cuddling under cozy blankets. 
Whether you're snuggling with your significant other, kids, or your cat, cuddling under a cozy blanket is one of October's sweetest perks.
15. It's candy corn season! 
Be careful; candy corn is dangerously addicting. We indulge as soon as Fall arrives.
16. Finding your inner craft guru. 
Even the least crafty among us can't help but feel inspired by the gorgeous decor that hits the shelves this time of year. October is the best month to channel your inner Martha Stewart and wow your friends by making a unique harvest wreath for your door.
17. You get to visit the pumpkin patch. 
Searching for the perfect pumpkin is one of the best challenges that Halloween brings. Sometimes multiple pumpkin patch visits are necessary.
18. Baking all of the Autumn treats. 
Fall and baking are a perfect match. From apple pie to pumpkin cookies, your oven is busy all October long.
19. Apple cider is the drink of choice. 
Whether you drink your apple cider on its own or spiked for a celebration, it's a comforting beverage that will get you in the spirit.
20. Fall festivals and carnivals are everywhere. 
No matter where you live, fall festivals and carnivals tend to pop up during this glorious month. Not only are they fun, but they're also an affordable way to while away a weekend afternoon.
21. You can craft lots of festive decorations. 
Transform your home with easy decor ideas. You can opt for scary or sweet; it's up to you and what kind of style you like.
22. Enjoying the Fall flowers. 
Move over, Spring, because the mums, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums that bloom in October are breathtaking.
23. There is candy everywhere. Seriously, it's everywhere. 
It's the time of year when you can feast on your favorite sweets and you're not allowed to feel guilty about it! What's Halloween without a little candy?
24. Going on a hay ride with the family. 
Hay rides are fun for the entire family. Not only do you get to snuggle up under the stars, but you also get the added benefit of getting in touch with the agricultural community in your area.
25. The Halloween movies and specials are amazing. 
Movies like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and Casper are nostalgic classics you can look forward to watching every October. You're never too young to watch them.
26. Decorating with gourds. 
How can you not look at a gourd and instantly feel happy? Pumpkins and their many cousins are perfect for decorating, and they add a little extra warmth to any room you put them in.
27. Houses are decked out with fun and spooky decor. 
There are so many affordable decor options that will turn your house into a Halloween wonderland.
28. It's the perfect time of year for reading. 
Reading is a year-round activity, but it's even better in October. Fans of all things spooky can light a candle and hunker down with a thrilling page turner, while romantics can stretch out on a blanket in the park and get lost in a classic.
29. Looking for costume ideas never gets boring. 
In fact, it's so fun that we're pretty much researching costumes all year long. Then when it's crunch time, there are lots of last-minute costume ideas that you can throw together the day of Halloween.
30. We get to bring our scarves out of retirement. 
Scarves are cozy, joyful articles of clothing that we sadly can't wear all year long, but when October rolls around, we get to reintroduce our scarves to the world. And, oh, what a beautiful day that is.
31. You can dress up as something funny, sexy, scary — whatever you want! 
Get in touch with a side of yourself you don't normally express with your Halloween costume. The holiday embraces all people; that's why it's so wonderful!
