Leaves are falling, pumpkins are displayed on porches, and the stores are overstocked with apple cider: October is officially here. With fall and the holidays approaching many families are resurfacing age-old family traditions. These may be as simple as going to a pumpkin patch, halloween parties, or baking a family recipe. The beauty of it all is each family puts their own unique personal twist on fall. 

The obvious fall tradition every household in America does is carve pumpkins. The start to this is either a trip to Bauman Farms in Woodburn or a quick stop at the supermarket. Senior, Brighton Ring mentioned how each year her and her family head over to Baumans to find their perfect pumpkins. Although they haven’t been yet this season, it’s something she is looking forward to.

Another great part about the fall season is the abundance of delicious food. A popular option for fall is doughnuts. Most people like to gorge themselves at pumpkin patches while others make doughnuts at home. It’s unassailable that bringing a doughnut to a friend, coworker, or classmate is definitely one of the most popular ways to show gratitude during the season.  Employee of Lee Farms, Greta Reiter exclaimed, “People are buying doughnuts as they’re being made. Pretty much any person that attends Lees walks out with a bag of doughnuts.” With two delicious flavors you can never go wrong with a doughnut from Lees this fall. Reiter personally prefers the apple cider doughnut, but both flavors are absolutely scrumptious. 

Another big part of Halloween is all the gatherings that take place. Many people throw house parties to display their family recipes. Senior, Ellie Wettstein, spoke fondly of her dad’s homemade gumbo and pumpkin shaped biscuits. According to Wettstein her whole family gathers and shares fun fall memories along with eating giant bowls of gumbo every October. She states, “I look forward to this every year and simply can’t imagine Halloween without it.” 

Whether people’s traditions are big or small, all have value. Fall and the holidays are a great time to gather with friends and family.