Growing up in western Canada, I experienced the full cycle of seasons—spring’s renewal, summer’s heat, winter’s deep freeze and, most notably, the beauty of fall. Each season brought its own atmosphere, but autumn was always special. When I moved to Southern California, I quickly realized how much I missed that change. Here, it’s as if the year has two settings: warm and hot, or rain and wildfires.
While I’m grateful to have left behind British Columbia’s intense winters, I deeply miss the crisp air, the changing leaves and that unmistakable feeling of fall. It’s why, without a doubt, fall triumphs over summer.
The magic of fall begins with the air. Growing up, the first sign of autumn was a subtle chill—cool enough to grab a jacket but still pleasant enough to stay outside. In Southern California, that refreshing briskness never really arrives. There’s no biting cold morning air, and you can’t see your breath on an early morning walk.
For many, the “endless summer” that California promises is ideal, but without the seasonal refresh, the days blend together. Fall, with its cool mornings and gradual shift toward winter, always felt like a time to reset, reflect and slow down. It’s a built-in pause that summer never seems to offer.
Then, there’s the visual beauty of fall that is simply unmatched. In Canada, the trees transform into stunning shades of gold, red and orange. It’s like the entire landscape changes before your eyes, making even the most routine walks feel enchanting. In Southern California, the leaves don’t quite get the same message.
The vibrant colors I grew up with are replaced with persistent green or brown, and while palm trees have their charm, they don’t convey the same sense of seasonal transition. It’s a shift I didn’t realize I valued until it was no longer part of my yearly experience.
Fall also brings a sense of coziness that summer can’t replicate. It’s a season made for blankets, warm drinks and quiet moments. Whether it’s lighting a candle, enjoying homemade soup or taking a leisurely walk through a park, fall encourages a slower, more reflective pace. Summer is all about constant activity—beach trips, barbecues and soaking in the long days. But fall invites you to pause, enjoy the warmth of home and find comfort in slowing down.
That’s not to say summer doesn’t have its appeal. After enduring British Columbia’s harsh winters, I can appreciate California’s sun-drenched days and lack of snow. But I’ve come to realize that I crave the balance and rhythm that come with seasonal changes. Ironically, as someone who typically resists change, the shift from one season to the next is the kind of change I welcome wholeheartedly.
For me, fall is more than just a season; it’s a feeling of transformation, a reminder to reflect and recharge before the rush of the holidays and the new year. Summer may have its charm, but fall, with its crisp air, cozy atmosphere and subtle beauty, will always reign first in my heart.
