From Pumpkins to Pigskins: Celebrating Our Favorite Fall Rituals

Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Sunday Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you connect with and celebrate the important people in your life.

There are many ways to sense the change in seasons. You might look outside and see the leaves turning brilliant shades before they fall. You could take a walk and feel a crispness in the air. Or you could listen in on my Monday morning conversations with teams across the country.

The most recent responses to “How was your weekend?” are a sure sign that the autumnal equinox has arrived. The days of beaches, pool parties, and barbecues are in the rear-view mirror, giving way to fall activities as varied as the colors on the trees.

In Columbus, Ohio, for instance, the Cheryl’s Cookies team often shares stories of weekends spent with nearly 103,000 of their friends and neighbors at Ohio Stadium rooting for their beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Between the marching band, tailgating, the game itself, and the lively aftermath, I can’t help but feel a bit envious.

Then there’s the team at Harry & David in Southern Oregon, where fall brings a completely different vibe. Their weekends are filled with the region’s natural beauty: hikes around Crater Lake, local wine tastings, and visits to craft fairs.

Here on Long Island, we have our own rituals and traditions. My wife, Marylou, and I, always make sure to visit the North Fork. Beyond the pumpkin patches and fresh cider, is one stop that’s non-negotiable: Junda’s Pastry Crust and Crumbs for the best apple strudel you’ll ever taste!  

Falling in love with autumn

While our fall rituals may differ, they all share a common thread: They bring us together, deepen our connection with nature, and help us create lasting memories across communities and generations.

Whether it’s the annual trip to the pumpkin patch or cheering for the local football team, these shared experiences form a collective story that strengthens emotional bonds. Over time, these moments become stories told to our children, grandchildren, and even colleagues at work.

Even simple acts, like taking a hike or driving to see the changing foliage, are meaningful. Fall’s shorter days and cooler weather naturally invite us to slow down and reflect. And as frost begins to appear on our pumpkins, we find ourselves spending more time indoors with loved ones, fostering a sense of togetherness.

This reflection reaches its peak in late November with the celebration of Thanksgiving, a time to express gratitude for our relationships, our abundance, and our community.

Sure, we might miss the warmth of summer and days at the beach, but fall – with its myriad rituals and traditions – offers us new opportunities to enjoy life with those around us. It also sets the stage for the festive December holidays to come. (They will be even more festive this year, as the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day! Bring on Chrismukkah!)

How do you enjoy fall?

Inspired by my Monday meetings, I recently asked the Celebrations Pulse community to share their favorite fall rituals and traditions. From quiet reflection and decorating to attending football games and other outdoor activities, fall seems to inspire all of us. There are so many reasons why this is America’s favorite season.

Kathleen, a community member, keeps very busy during these months. She shared:

“The fall foliage is nature’s way of painting a colorful picture. That is why I like to ride my bicycle through the tree-lined paths as the leaves blow around. Decorating for fall and Halloween is also one of my favorite rituals too. And I like to sit on my front porch and enjoy the quietness and the beauty that surrounds me.”

Another reader, James, recalled how autumnal trips to college football games created memories and strengthened his bond with his grandfather:

“Every year, my grandfather and I would take a weekend trip, driving three hours with his friends to South Bend, Indiana, for a Notre Dame game. They would set up their tailgate and have a roaring good time.

“My grandfather lived and breathed Notre Dame football, and those trips to South Bend were the highpoint of his year. I’ll never forget the year when age prevented him from going, and how much he missed those days.”

Speaking of sports

James’ grandfather was onto something. Whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or hockey, fall sports bring people together in a special way. It’s more than just rooting for your team – it’s about building connections, whether with neighbors, colleagues, or, more often than not, strangers.

There’s a certain magic in sharing the highs and lows of a game with others. It helps us feel like we’re part of something bigger. For me, in New York where allegiances are often divided, I cheer for the New York Giants in football, and without question, I’m always rooting for the New York Mets in baseball.

Whether you’re in the stands, at a local bar, or simply chatting in line at the grocery store, sports have a unique way of forging stronger bonds. That shared passion and excitement not only strengthens relationships but connects us to the broader community in a meaningful way.

The joys of tailgating (and home-gating)

Regardless of how your team performs inside the stadium, outside in the parking lot, everyone’s a winner. Tailgating is something I always look forward to. It’s where it all comes together. And there’s no better way to build and strengthen your community of friends than enjoying some food and drinks before a big sporting event. Especially those Saturday games in big college towns.

Even if you can’t make it to the stadium or your team is playing away, you still can keep the game-day spirit alive by home-gating Whether in your living room or backyard, you can recreate the tailgating experience by inviting friends or family over and transforming your outdoor space into a personal game-day haven (minus the cars, of course).

Whether you're cheering from the rink, court, pitch, diamond, or your couch, here’s wishing your teams the best of luck this season!

All the best,

Jim