How to Make Warm Memories Last through the Cold Months

This is a photo that I took apple picking in the Pioneer Valley with my friends last fall.

We all know, even if we enjoy the changing leaves and playing in the snow, that it can be a little depressing when you start to notice the days becoming more brisk.  You feel the sun warm your cheeks when it is at its peak, and although you wish that it could feel that way forever, you worry that this could be one of the last times you feel it for quite some time.  Why not take full advantage of the sun’s warmth over the next month or so?

There are so many things that you can do outside during these beautiful days.  Mount Holyoke’s campus along with the entire Pioneer Valley, the state of Massachusetts, and even the New England region all offer great weather, gorgeous landscape, and many outdoor activities.  The Outing Club at MHC takes trips of all sorts including hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing.  Most of these things you could do on your own as well.  A nice place to hike that is close by is at Skinner State Park (where students go for Mount Holyoke’s popular annual event, Mountain Day).

There are many fall-like things to do at farms and other areas surrounding Mount Holyoke.  Apple picking is a really fun activity to partake in that is super festive (and yummy too).  After I went last year, we even made an apple pie!  Hayrides and pumpkin carving are exciting parts of the fall for me too, especially with a good group of friends.  I’ve also always loved frolicking in piles of leaves, however juvenile that may seem.  At home, I usually complain a little bit about the raking that has to take place before the frolicking, so it’s not something I’m really apt to partake in here, but if you would like to, certainly go for it!  Another thing you could do is keep an eye out for some public events such as festivals that take place in the area throughout the season.  I went to a fair last year right outside of Northampton and to “The Big E” fair in Springfield, MA this week.

If outdoor activities usually aren’t “your thing”, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the gorgeous weather this time of year has to offer.  Activities like shopping can be a sort of outdoor extravaganza in their own way as well.  On a nice day you could walk over to the Village Commons and see what’s on sale in the little shops or stop for a coffee at Thirsty Mind cafe.  If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also take the PVTA to Northampton to enjoy a nice day and do some retail therapy.  You could also go on your own little tour of one of the other five-colleges.  Last year some friends and I spent an afternoon walking around Amherst College and had a great time.

Another way to enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather is to simply go about much of your normal business, but at the same time, making an effort to do so outdoors.  For example, instead of working out in the gym (which you will have to do all winter long anyway), you could go for a run around lower lake right here on campus.  It may not be nice enough to lay out on the green in your bikini for a sun-tan anymore, but there is still plenty of time to set out a blanket and hang out with some friends.  You could even do your homework out there if you’re feeling especially ambitious or would otherwise use studying as an excuse to stay inside all day.  Another good idea is eating outside.  We have such a nice area to sit outside of Blanchard and because it isn’t so hot anymore, there aren’t as many pesky insects to deter you from eating there.  Also, don’t let yourself be lazy about walking around campus… at least not yet.  There will be plenty of times in the winter when you don’t feel like walking to one of the dining halls across campus for your dorm, but now is a silly time to start denying yourself a meal you’ve been craving.

Don’t let thoughts of the cold months ahead ruin your last weeks of warmth.  Go outside and enjoy what beautiful days we still have.  Use the memories you make outdoors now to get you through those cold months and back to the warm ones so you can do it all over again next year!