The time is finally here. Everyone’s favorite season is approaching: fall. After an excruciatingly hot summer, there is nothing better than the cool, comfortable weather that comes with fall. There is nothing better than waking up on a cool autumn day, putting on a cozy outfit and walking outside to see leaves falling to your feet. Now that fall is practically upon us, here are some fun, but necessary ways to prepare for the upcoming season.

Step 1: Decorate. This is the most important step. If it doesn’t look like fall, it won’t feel like fall. So, your number one priority is getting those decorations up. Maybe you hang some leaf/pumpkin-shaped fairy lights, or maybe you get a cheesy fake pumpkin from target. You decorate however you want to get in the autumn spirit.

Step 2: Candles. This step is absolutely mandatory. Candles have the amazing ability to transport you anywhere using just smell. As soon as you breathe in that pumpkin, cinnamon scent, you know it’s fall. All of your autumn memories are marked by that scent and you could recognize it anywhere.

Step 3: Food. Everyone has a specific food that takes them right back to autumn. For me, it’s the Pillsbury Dough Boy Pumpkin Cookies. As soon as I spot those seasonal cookies in the grocery store, I know that fall has arrived. However, this treat can be different for everyone. For some people it might be pumpkin pie or candy corn. Just pick whatever food reminds you of fall the most and enjoy it with your friends and family.

Step 4: Finally, Movies and TV shows. This has got to be my favorite step and it’s accessible to almost everyone. The easiest way to get into the fall spirit is by watching the perfect movie or TV show to remind you why autumn is your favorite season. For example, nothing reminds me of the autumn season more than “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Some people may argue that it’s a Christmas movie since it says Christmas in the title, but they’re wrong. Another example of the perfect fall TV show is “Gilmore Girls.” Between the coziness of Stars Hallow and Rory’s perfect autumn wardrobe, there’s no show that encapsulates fall as well as “Gilmore Girls.”

With the start of a new school year comes fall, and although I know that we would all rather be relaxing at home instead of stuck in school, autumn is the ideal season to cheer us up. The beautiful scenery combined with the amazing weather makes the perfect combo that everyone can enjoy. So don’t wait and start preparing for fall now!