While the end of fall continues to bless us with alarmingly warm weather, every WashUian knows it’s only a matter of time before the other snow boot drops. 

As someone who finds it hard to welcome shivering walks between classes, frost-bitten hands, a red nose, and tousled hair in 10-degree-below weather, I’ve found participating in seasonal hobbies to be a maybe-obvious but welcome aid in making the end of the year a little more enjoyable. 

If you’re looking for cheap and low-energy things to do — to boost the endorphins that go missing with the sun — I’ve concocted a list of mildly effective remedies for fighting off the “blah” and the creeping longing for hibernation. 

Books 

“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

This is a beautiful murder mystery, deliciously pretentious with shocking twists from start to finish. This book follows a totally un-relatable group of obnoxiously wealthy teens, and their expressions of absurd rationality and chilling wit are a perfect pairing for the end of October.

“Harry Potter” (duh) by J.K. Rowling

Start to finish. The whole series. Because you have time for that and your inner 5th-grader is begging you.

“In The Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado

This memoir artfully uncovers the story of domestic abuse in a complex lesbian relationship. 

“Cinderella is Dead” by Kalynn Bayron

A queer tale with a Black protagonist and a modern take on one of the oldest and most-adapted fairy tale classics, “Cinderella is Dead” is a fun, quick read that submerges its audience in a dystopian, enchanted world that makes being a princess far less dreamy than one might imagine. 

“Other Birds” by Sarah Addison Allen

A pleasant foray into magical realism, perfect for breaking up the mundanity of early-evening skies on a night in, “Other Birds” is a cozy, sweet, and enchanting ghost story about community and where to call home.

“Frankenstein in Baghdad” by Ahmed Saadawi

An adaptation of the must-read by Mary Shelley, this is a transhumanist story that combines the voices of the unheard into a single source on a chilling trek for vengeance.

Activities & Crafts

Pumpkin-painting (or candle-making, apple-picking, doing puzzles, scrapbooking, crocheting…)

Seasonal activities do wonders for stress relief. Making candles (and so, too, painting squash) is available year-round — but if, like most adults, crafts aren’t a part of your routine, perhaps they should be. Also, several farms with apple-picking orchards are open in the St. Louis area! 

Baking

Cider, pumpkin loaves, and Pillsbury cookies, because whether you’re a seasoned home chef or an amateur, there has to be something scientific about the therapeutic nature of baking. Time to revisit all those saved TikTok recipes.

Fall vision board

I know. But visualizing the things that you have to look forward to in the near and far future is an easy way to boost your mood in any season — only this time, it’s pumpkin-themed!

Movies & TV

“They Cloned Tyrone” (2023) 

A witty, thought-out commentary, “They Cloned Tyrone” tells the story of a local drug dealer appearing to repeatedly come back from the dead, with a realistic subtext about gentrification. 

“American Horror Story: Coven” (2013)

A modern classic from the land of American Horror Story, if you’ve managed to miss this one or have simply forgotten about it, you’re welcome. Bravely tackling adventures filled with voodoo, witchcraft, and injustice, the women of the coven have got a show for you (bonus points: Angela Bassett plays Marie Laveau!).

“The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” (2023)

I couldn’t resist adding another modern rendition of Frankenstein and included this movie adaptation that follows a teenage girl desperate to cure the most deadly disease of all: death.

“The Blackening” (2022)

This is a fun comedy-horror if you’re more into silly scaries than “Us” or “Get Out.” (Though if these are more your speed, Lovecraft Country is a superb mini-series.)

“Sorry To Bother You” (2018) 

If you want a wacky, campy, horrifying comedy, this one stands out. “Sorry to Bother You” is a satire about an absurd, macabre alternate universe where the protagonist chooses between money and freedom.

At any rate, I don’t mean to suggest that you can make an autumn latte and journal your way out of the general tiredness, angst, and stress that seem to be heightened by cooler weather. Many have mixed feelings about the “-ber” months, which are stocked full of holidays, celebrations, and midterms while ushering in a mental cold front.

But should you find yourself looking to recoup on a chilly afternoon, longing for rose-colored glasses and the kind of childhood delight reminiscent of Disney’s Monstober, hopefully one of these throwbacks or adult takes on a staple brings you some joy. Gone are the days where cozy, stress-relieving activities are reserved for childhood and the weeks leading up to Christmas. Bake cookies and light your cinnamon scented candles today!