Headline: The Overhyped Season: Why Fall is Overrated and Summer is Where it’s At
As the crisp autumn air rolls in, many of us can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of the season. But, in my opinion, fall is completely overrated. With temperatures averaging around 56 degrees in October and 44 degrees in November, it’s hardly the cozy, temperate season many of us envision. In reality, fall is often overcast and gloomy, with the sun hidden behind a veil of clouds.
So, why do so many people love this season? According to a 2022 poll from Morning Consult, 41% of Americans listed fall as their favorite season, compared to 24% for spring and 11% for winter. But, I argue, these numbers are misguided. Perhaps people feel compelled to enjoy fall because of the trappings of the season – pumpkins, leaves, and cozy sweaters. But, I ask you, is it really worth it?
The truth is, summer is the real MVP. As the warm weather rolls in, we’re free to enjoy the great outdoors, engage in a wide range of activities, and bask in the sun. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a game, or simply a cold glass of lemonade, summer has it all. And, as someone who can’t stand the heat, I can attest that the sun can be made enjoyable – with a nice shower, a dip in the pool, or a cool glass of lemonade.
The rise of fall as a trend is a more recent phenomenon, tied to the rise of social media. In 2010, Starbucks introduced the PSL, a drink that has become synonymous with fall. But, is it really worth the hype? I think not. The idea of pumpkin spice, the color-coded aesthetic, and the requisite fall clothing – it’s all a bit over-the-top. As Elena Cavender wrote in a 2021 piece for Mashable, "In the first week of fall, Twitter and TikTok became inundated with fall movies, fall outfits, fall playlists, fall recipes. It’s Christian Girl Autumn, Meg Ryan Fall, the time we can really start dressing." Is this really what we’re after?
In the end, fall is just another season, and not necessarily the best one. It has its merits, like football and beautiful days, but they pale in comparison to the benefits of summer. Perhaps people force their love onto fall as a means of coping with the recent passage of the actual best season, summer. So, let’s reconsider our undue allegiance to fall and acknowledge that beyond the trappings, it’s just another season.
