I just absolutely love fall, especially October. The air isn’t crisp here in Southern California yet, but I’m hoping we’ll get some cooler weather later this month. The fall leaves, comfort food, Halloween decorations, and everything that comes with this time of year make me happy. But baseball, Dodgers baseball to be more specific, tops all of it.

October is a big month for me because of baseball. The Dodgers playoffs are something I look forward to every year, and if you know me, you know how invested I am. I’ve been a fan for years, and it’s something that’s really important to me. It makes this time of year even better, especially when we get to pop that champagne at the end.

But baseball isn’t the only thing I love about fall. Give me a cozy evening at home, something good to eat, a fuzzy blanket, my dog nearby, and a horror movie to watch, and I’m pretty happy.

First Things First: What’s for Dinner?

One of my favorite things about this time of year is getting back into making fall comfort food.

I’m much more of a cook than a baker, so when the weather starts cooling down, I immediately start thinking about soups, hearty dinners, and all the things I can make in my Dutch oven. There’s something about having a pot of something cooking on the stove that makes me want to spend more time in the kitchen.

I’ve also been enjoying pumpkin spice muffins lately. There’s something about those fall flavors that makes them especially good this time of year, particularly when I’m in the mood for something sweet.

I love cooking at home with my scented candles lit and music playing. It’s something I genuinely enjoy, and when the weather finally cools down, I’ll have even more reasons to pull out my Dutch oven and make some of my favorite fall meals.

My Favorite Part: Getting Comfortable

I’m very much a comfort-over-dressing-up person when I’m home. Give me my favorite sweatshirt, comfortable clothes, and a cozy spot on the couch, and I’m happy. I don’t need to get dressed up or have plans to enjoy my evening.

Fall makes this even better because I can finally start wearing the clothes I’ve been waiting to pull out of the closet.

Living in Southern California means the weather doesn’t always cooperate with my idea of fall. October can still feel much warmer than I’d like, and I’m left waiting for those cooler days when I can actually enjoy wearing a sweatshirt without overheating.

But when those mornings and evenings finally arrive, I’m ready. There’s nothing better than getting comfortable after a long day and knowing I can spend the rest of the evening doing whatever I feel like.

I’ve come to appreciate those nights more over the years. I don’t feel the need to make plans just because it’s the weekend or because there’s an opportunity to go somewhere. Sometimes staying in really is the plan.

October Means Dodgers Baseball

I can’t talk about my perfect fall evening without talking about baseball.

For me, October and the Dodgers go together. Once the playoffs start, I’m following the games and paying attention to what’s happening. It’s one of the things I look forward to most about this time of year.

My dad introduced me to baseball, and it’s been something I’ve enjoyed for years. Being a Dodgers fan has become part of my own traditions, and there’s something exciting about reaching the postseason and watching every game matter that much more.

And let’s be honest, a relaxing evening can become a lot less relaxing when the game gets stressful. If you’re a baseball fan, you know exactly what I mean.

But that’s part of the fun, too. I love having something to look forward to during the season, especially when I can enjoy it from my couch with my dog nearby and everything I need within reach.

And if the Dodgers win, even better.

What Else Is on the Agenda?

When I’m not watching baseball, I’m usually looking for something else to keep me entertained.

I enjoy watching TV and movies, and I love having a good book to get into. I’m especially drawn to fantasy books, so if I have a new book I’ve been looking forward to reading, that’s another good reason to spend an evening at home.

The thing is, I don’t always have a set plan for what I’m going to do. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to watch or read. Other times, I can spend more time deciding what to put on than actually watching anything. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does that.

Some nights I watch a game, some nights I read, and other nights I just want to find a good horror movie and settle in on the couch. I don’t need to fit everything into one night. It depends on what I’m in the mood for.

And since it’s October, there’s no shortage of spooky movies to choose from.

A Little Halloween, Too

Halloween is another reason I love October. I enjoy seeing the decorations in stores, getting into the seasonal mood, and having something fun to look forward to as the month goes on.

I’m not someone who needs to have every weekend packed with seasonal activities to enjoy the holiday. I’m just as happy watching a horror movie at home as I am getting out and doing something for Halloween.

I like having all these things to look forward to, but I don’t feel like I have to do everything. Between baseball, Halloween, cooking, and hopefully some cooler weather, October already gives me plenty to enjoy.

My Kind of Fall Evening

When I think about my perfect fall evening, it’s a cozy night in. 

I’d make something good for dinner, get into comfortable clothes, watch a Dodgers game if one is on, and spend time at home with my dog. If I feel like reading afterward, I’ll grab a book. If I’d rather watch a movie, I’ll find something to put on.

I think that’s one of the reasons fall is such a favorite season of mine. Between baseball, Halloween, the return of cooler weather, and all the food I want to make, there’s plenty to look forward to. And I’m ready for those mornings when I can finally grab my favorite sweatshirt without immediately regretting it because it’s still too warm outside.

That’s how I like to celebrate the season.

What about you? Are you someone who loves getting out and enjoying all the fall activities, or would you rather spend an evening at home with good food, comfortable clothes, and something good to watch?

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”—Albert Camus