October Thought Day 14: Forecast Calls for Cozy

With the weather taking a turn more toward the inclement, I felt that the thought for today should center more on the cozy aspect of October. After all, October is snuggle weather; and not snuggle because you have to, snuggle because you want to. The air is crisp and cool but not unpleasantly so. Now and then the wind may pick up but it never lasts, and the next thing you know, you wake up to a perfectly golden fall day. Some autumnal days may be a touch rainy but it isn’t anything like the sleet and snow of December, at least not yet.

October is when you start pulling out the heavy fuzzy blankets from storage and wrapping yourself up in them like a burrito. Sometimes even the flannel sheets come out and you get to spend hours luxuriating in the cozy warmth of their embrace, and there is nothing quite like a cold October floor to send one scampering back into the soft cocoon of still warm sheets.

In October the sweatshirts and long sleeved shirts make a fashionable appearance and socks come back into vogue, as do long boots and leggings. In October you can wear your knit cap and earmuffs and feel right at home, and there is nothing quite so cozy as the warmth of a hoodie that smells like a campfire. It’s like wearing a hug.

Speaking of which, October is a time for bonfires and relighting the fireplace. One can spend hours sitting and watching the hypnotic flames spark and twist in the autumn air. In front of the fire surrounded by blankets is a good place to snuggle up with a book and a hot cup of pumpkin cocoa. It is also the ideal place to tell ghost stories.

October is the time for hot apple cider and warm donuts. Hearty stews and casseroles come back on the menu as well as fresh baked bread right out of the oven. Fall is all about comfort food that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel warm inside and out.

Fall is a time of wrapping up and drawing near. Of pulling those we love closer and taking a minute to think of the blessings the year has bestowed. The days get darker faster and there is more time to reflect on a job well done and the prospects of tomorrow.

Yes, October is all about coziness and contemplation.

It’s about brightly colored scarves and looking forward to the holidays before you stop looking forward to the holidays. It’s warm socks and mittens and laughing into the wind.

It’s those breathless moments after running to your car and sitting waiting for the heater to kick in.

October is all of this and more. So snuggle down, drink something warm and bask in the October glow.