Savoring the Last Days of Summer: Embrace the Season Before Fall Arrives

Labor Day arrives unusually early this year, almost like an eager student ready to begin a new school year. For those who believe the best of summer has yet to be enjoyed, this swift arrival can feel abrupt. Despite the still relatively late sunset and the persistent presence of mosquitoes, the holiday signals a clear shift in the season's pace.

I encourage you not to let go of summer just yet. Although clinging to any season is ultimately futile, there are still 23 days remaining before fall officially begins on September 22. I’ve been advocating for the term “equinoctials” to describe those who trust the calendar, rather than seasonal marketing, to mark summer’s end. Imagine a #equinoctialchallenge: committing to one distinctly summer activity each day between Labor Day and the equinox. Whether it’s heading to the beach, enjoying a tomato sandwich with the kitchen sink as your plate, picking berries, or wading in a nearby creek—embrace these moments fully. Don’t let Labor Day be your last chance to host a neighborhood barbecue (excluding those who don’t clean up after their pets, of course).

While many students have returned to class and the cooler nights—like last night’s 51 degrees—may tempt you to light a fire, these remaining weeks offer a gentle transition. Use this time to savor outdoor activities that won’t be possible once colder weather and early darkness arrive. Reflect on the summer habits you’ve enjoyed, such as a slower pace or eating more fresh produce, and consider how to carry these into the fall season. Though autumn has its own charms—colorful foliage and pumpkin picking—it rarely inspires the same relaxed and open feeling as the long, sunny days of summer.

Recently, dining under a starlit sky, the loud chorus of cicadas was impossible to ignore. These insects spend years underground, emerging only briefly to mate before dying. Their late summer calls grow more urgent as the season winds down. Unlike the cicadas, we need not rush; life continues beyond the first frost. Yet their persistent song serves as a poignant reminder: summer is fading, but there’s still time to fully immerse yourself in its final gifts.