"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies." - Joe Fox

The weather has swiftly turned from summer's cloyingly hot days to chilly fall ones. This is not saying much since "June Gloom" prevailed through most of the summer creating a muddled July and a very boring August that barely resembled the robust August of last year. This prolonged June Gloom, left us with not many "summer" days to work with as it was, so the transition to fall has been a quiet overthrow.

I am not even sure what's in store for our winter weather-wise (I am hoping for some healthy storms), but this grey autumn weather always brings me "home." It makes me think of football season, blazing fire places, warm drinks, voices tumbling over one another, friends crushed into tiny living rooms (or big ones, but we always seem to squish) and cozy times.

I admit it, I am one of those who jumps the gun as soon as September shows her face (much to the chagrin of my friends). I start my Christmas shopping in August. September 1 means summer is over and it is time to welcome fall with widely open arms. I love fall. I love the spices that come with it, the smells in the air, the urge to bake, the need to wear boots, scarves, tights, to nest, to make my home smell good and hang seasonal things on my door. All the summer colors, the bright pinks, yellows and greens are swapped for muted fall tones. Maroon, gold and sage now become the hallmark hues that garner the indoors (and outdoors if you live where leaves actually change color).

I immediately turn to the holiday season which begins with Halloween. What will I be? How will we celebrate? What will I carve into my great pumpkin? There is an ethereal uneasiness that persists, even though I no longer tell ghost stories or trick or treat; I can still feel the static excitement in the air. This excitement pales when compared to how excited Thanksgiving makes me. What will I bake? Will I get to make the gravy again? I can't wait for left over turkey sandwiches and the smell of the farm, crispy cold at 6:30 in the morning! I can start watching Christmas movies (if I haven't already...)!!

Then, only then, after many months of anxious waiting and reminiscing, does Christmas come. And she takes so long to get here! Once November begins I can no longer wait and Christmas music is in heavy rotation on my iPod, iTunes and radio. "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!" blares through speakers as I bake pumpkin whoopie pies. I am one happy girl. I love that my birthday falls in December, it is like everywhere is sparkling with shimmery lights and decoration to help me celebrate my day.

December means heavily heated stores, lots of bustling, many parties, ribbons and wrapping paper, reasons to dress up and excuses to watch movies repeatedly ("You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch," "I'm Dreaming of a white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write," "So, good news... I saw a dog today!"). December means late nights, champagne, goodwill towards men. December means the absolutely delightful smell of the Christmas tree perched in my living room, its thick, earthy perfume filling my nose. December means I still get excited that Santa is coming (yes, even at 27... or 28). December means Disneyland has transformed into a Christmas Wonderland where I am 6 years old. December means wonder and awe.

I think I flourish in the last two quarters of the year. I feel happy, healthy and rosy cheeked. I feel more alert and more in tune to what's going on. I feel energized and intimidated by the opportunities of a new year burgeoning on the horizon.