Fall is personally one of my favorite seasons due to its mild weather and intimate atmosphere, which reminds us of the absurdity and cycle of life when every yellow leaf falls from its branch and touches the ground. However, sometimes we might not be able to engage in outdoor activities, perhaps due to the weather, responsibilities, or simply because we prefer staying at home. So, here are 7 fun activities you can do at home while fully embracing the autumn vibes.
Reading:
Thriller novels for a cozy fall
Reading is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do at home, especially since it transports you to other worlds waiting to be explored. Personally, I find that some mysterious crime or thriller novels are the best and most fitting for this season. Here are a few book recommendations I’ve read and personally enjoyed:
- Cemetery of Forgotten Books Quartet by Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafón. This series consists of four parts that can be read independently or in order of events, but I recommend reading them in the order they were released: The Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, and The Labyrinth of Spirits.
About the quartet: In the first book, The Shadow of the Wind, we follow the story of Daniel Sempere, the son of a bookseller in Barcelona, who is introduced to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his father. There, Daniel must choose a book to acquire and protect with his life… - The Night Tiger by Malaysian author Yangsze Choo.
About the novel: The story is set in colonial Malaysia, when it was still under British rule. Upon starting this book, the reader will notice two parallel, event-filled storylines. The first follows Ren, an 11-year-old boy tasked with finding and burying his master’s missing finger within 40 days. The second follows Ji Lin, a young woman secretly teaching dance in a club to help her mother pay off debts. Read the full review of this novel (without spoilers) here. - After the Crash by French author Michel Bussi.
This is a suspenseful novel in which we follow the investigation to discover the identity of the sole survivor of a tragic plane crash that killed all the passengers, except for an infant with two possible identities. You can read the full novel review (without spoilers) here.
There are more recommendations and reviews of fantastic novels you can read here.
Watching Movies:
Movies to Watch in Fall
Knives Out
It’s a 2019 American mystery film directed by Rian Johnson.
About the movie: The story follows detective Benoit Blanc, who is called in to investigate the mysterious death of famous novelist Harlan Thrombey, with his family members being the prime suspects. Amidst family conflicts and many secrets, will the truth come out?
Mona Lisa Smile
It’s a 2003 American drama film directed by Mike Newell.
About the movie: The story revolves around Katherine Ann Watson, who takes up a job teaching art at Wellesley College for girls. However, the atmosphere and rules of the school are extremely conservative, with the belief that a woman’s life is complete when she marries and becomes a housewife. Most students aren’t serious about their studies or career futures. But what will happen when they meet their new teacher and her unconventional, modern teaching style?
The Age of Adaline
It’s a 2015 American fantasy romance film directed by Lee Toland Krieger.
About the movie: The film follows Adaline Bowman, a young woman who miraculously stopped aging after being revived from death following an accident at the age of 29. After living in isolation for eight decades, carefully hiding her secret, she meets a man who rekindles passion and love in her life. Can she continue to keep her secret?
Collateral Beauty
It’s a 2016 American fantasy drama film directed by David Frankel.
About the movie: The story follows Howard Inlet, a successful businessman who becomes isolated after a personal tragedy changes his life. He writes letters to Love, Death, and Time, blaming them for his suffering. The last thing he expects is a personal reply from them.
Stonehearst Asylum
It’s a 2014 American gothic thriller directed by Brad Anderson.
About the movie: The film follows Edward Newgate, a recent Oxford graduate who goes to work at a mental asylum. He becomes puzzled by the strange treatment methods and suspects something suspicious is going on between the doctors and patients, only to discover that the truth of the asylum isn’t what it seems.
Hotel Transylvania
It’s a 2012 American animated fantasy comedy film.
About the movie: The story centers on Count Dracula, who runs Hotel Transylvania—a resort for monsters to relax and hide from the human world. Dracula throws a party to celebrate his daughter’s 118th birthday. But what happens when a human accidentally stumbles upon the hotel?
In fact, I recommend the entire series, which consists of four films.
Adding Autumnal Touches to Home Decor
Changing the decor or simply adding some autumnal touches at home is essential for me to truly immerse myself in this season. You can find simple DIY craft ideas with an autumn touch on Pinterest that you can easily do at home.
Knitting a Blanket or Stuffed Animals
With the arrival of autumn and cooler weather, a warm, cozy blanket is always useful, and you can even make one yourself without needles! Not to mention the charm and intimacy of stuffed animals, which make perfect, adorable gifts for yourself or others. You can learn how to make them online, especially on Pinterest, where you can find plenty of ideas and patterns.
Activities for Fall :Making Scented Candles at Home
Since autumn is the coziest season, scented candles are perfect for setting a romantic atmosphere, and making them at home is a fun and easy activity! You can read our article on how to make handmade scented candles here.
Escape Room Games
In fact, these games are my favorites, especially because they’re easy to play at home during this exciting season. I’ve written a full article on ideas for creating the best puzzles for this game—you can read the article here.
Writing
Finally, the last activity I recommend is writing, which, in reality, isn’t just limited to the autumn season. And by writing, I don’t necessarily mean publishing your work or writing a novel or story. I’m talking about using writing as a form of self-expression, whether through journaling, writing reflections, affirmations, or setting life goals for the wonderful life you want to live. Don’t let grammar rules stop you—write however you like, using whichever medium you prefer. In the end, you’ll feel a sense of relief and release!
I hope you enjoyed this article! Share your favorite autumn activities with me in the comments!
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