This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.
Fall is one of those seasons that feels magical — crisp air, cozy sweaters, apple cider, pumpkins everywhere. And yet, if you’re anything like me, it’s also the season that can fly right by before you’ve done any of the fall traditions you meant to do.
I know this all too well. My oldest is now 18, and when I look back, I realize just how fast those years went. Honestly? I can count on one hand the years I had it together enough to take the kids apple picking or wander through a pumpkin patch. And you know what? Those handful of years stand out. My kids still remember those traditions, even if they were just small, simple moments. That’s the part that matters — not doing all the things, but doing something together.
So today’s step in our 100 Days to Christmas Challenge is about making sure those little memories actually happen this year. Because here’s the truth: if you don’t put it on the calendar, it won’t happen.
Research Your Options
Before you can make a plan, you’ve got to know what’s out there. Spend a few minutes today checking your local orchards, farms, and fall festivals. Look up:
- Apple orchards nearby
- Pumpkin patches or corn mazes
- Hayrides or cider tastings
- Community fall festivals
If you’re not sure where to start, try a quick Google search, peek at your town’s events page, or check local Facebook groups. You might be surprised how many options are just around the corner.
Decide What Goes on Your Family’s Fall Traditions Bucket List
Now, don’t overwhelm yourself. This isn’t about cramming every fall-themed activity into your schedule. Instead, pick one to three things that actually matter to you and your family.
Maybe it’s a Saturday morning at the orchard. Maybe it’s one trip to the pumpkin patch. Or maybe it’s as simple as a movie night at home with caramel apples.
Do what you can — whether it’s one thing or five. I promise, your kids won’t remember how much you did, just that you made space to do it with them.
Schedule It (No “We’ll Do It Tomorrow”)
This is the game-changer. Open up that holiday calendar we set up earlier in the challenge. Take the fall bucket list you just made and put those activities on the calendar.
Don’t say, “We’ll do it when we have time.” Because let’s be honest — time will slip away. Sports schedules, school projects, errands, and before you know it, it’s November and the pumpkins are frozen solid.
Treat these outings like an appointment. If you block it off now, you’ll protect that time for what really matters.
Make It Easy on Yourself
A few tips to keep this stress-free:
- Check for dates and times in advance (festivals, pumpkin patches, and orchards often have set weekends).
- If you don’t know exact dates yet, pencil it in with a reminder to update later.
- Have a backup plan for bad weather — like baking an apple crisp or decorating mini pumpkins indoors.
Enjoy the Season You’re In
At the end of the day, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about being present. Whether you get to one fall tradition or a whole list of them, you’re creating the kind of memories your kids will carry with them.
Put it on the calendar, follow through, and then let yourself enjoy it. Snap a few pictures, sip the cider, laugh at the muddy shoes — these are the little things that make fall special.
Today’s Challenge
Research your local fall traditions, pick the ones that matter most, and schedule them on your calendar. Do it now, not later. Because later turns into never, and these years really do fly by.
If you don’t have your holiday planner calendar yet, you can grab it [link here]. It’ll keep all your plans in one place so you don’t miss a thing this season.
