Fall is a season that is all about traditions. From pumpkin spice drinks to Halloween costumes, students at Aliso Niguel High School welcome and celebrate the season in many different ways.
For some, fall is more about the mood than the decorations. Jessica Dorantes (10) describes her ideal fall season. Dorantes admits she doesn’t decorate for Halloween, but she still embraces what the season has to offer.
“I love the vibe of fall,” she adds, “My favorite thing about fall is getting to listen to the song All Too Well ten-minute version on a cool afternoon with a nice pumpkin spice latte.”
Even without flashy costumes or carved pumpkins, Jessica finds ways to make fall special. These things, though small, really help settle into the fall aesthetic. Her simple traditions are a good reminder that there are so many ways to make fall special without needing to go to huge parties and hang up extravagant decorations.
However, the simple approach to celebrating fall is not for everyone. Naomi Christian, another sophomore, enjoys dressing up and going out with friends.
“I dress up for Halloween and go out with my friends. I love to go trick or treating and trade candy,” Christian says.
For her, the fun of fall comes from social traditions, sharing excitement and treats with her close friends. Her traditions can remind us that the energy of the season is just as important as the treats and decorations.
While some students may resonate with one approach more than the other, it’s nice to know how fall accepts many different ways of celebrating it regardless of if it is quiet afternoons with music and a pumpkin spiced latte or lively Halloween nights spent with friends.
While different students enjoy different activities, some feel that some traditions are less expressed nowadays compared to past fall seasons.
Dorantes notes, “ I feel like people are not as appreciative of fall colors as much anymore.”
Fall colors, whether it is the colors of the leaves or seasonal outfits, fall colors emphasize the iconic title of fall.
Beyond big events or personal routines, small habits connect students to the season. Pumpkin-flavored treats, cozy clothes, and favorite fall shows or songs create shared experiences. Even quiet traditions, like enjoying an autumn afternoon at home, carry meaning and make the season feel alive. Seasonal crafts like pumpkin carving and baking spooky themed treats are also more fun, traditional ways people make this season a little extra special.
Fall traditions can take on many different forms, especially with new trends on social media, there are always new ways that are introduced to celebrate things. While there are varying traditions, the students at ANHS agree that the things that make fall so special are not just the fall menus or Halloween decorations at every corner, but rather the little moments that get spent and shared with loved ones that really turn fall into such a memorable season.
