Autumn is one of my busier times of year as a medical resident. For roughly half of the fall months, I am working six 13-hour days a week in the hospital. Residents without children can simply put their head down and live/breathe work for a few months, but this is not an option for moms. My children only have so many Octobers before they are adults, so I need to make the most of each one.

Making a bucket list is how I have been ensuring that we get our fall on even with a very demanding work schedule. In August, my family gets together to list all of the things that we want to do. I then can assign our bucket list tasks to specific days and autopilot my way through a fun and eventful season.

Because I am trying to be zero waste or at least lower waste, I adjusted my list accordingly. This fall, our bucket list will mean staying close to home, buying local, and avoiding disposable consumer goods.

In addition, Covid-19 is putting a real wrench in my normal autumn plans. We are not sure if trick or treating is even happening, and traditional fall activities like going to a carnival or haunted house seem too germy this year. We will compromise by choosing public activities that are outdoors and allow ample social distancing.

1. Carve pumpkins
2. Fall beverage bar
3. Spooky movie marathon
4. Go to a pumpkin patch
5. Turn a locally grown pumpkin into all the pumpkin spice treats
6. Make a candy apple bar with all the trimmings
7. Thrift and/or repurpose our costumes
8. Hike in an area with loads of red leaves and a stunning view
9. Fill our home with DIY repurposed fall decorations
10. Play hide and seek in a corn maze

What if I don’t have time?

As busy parents know, shit happens. It’s okay if you run out of time, money, or motivation before completing your fall bucket list. After all, there are many autumns yet to come! Even a few bucket list items will make this autumn a memorable one.

There are a few things I wanted to do this fall but were left off the list because they are just not gonna happen. I was super excited for fall camping but was unable to find a yurt nearby that was free during my rare 2-day weekends. I decided that tent camping in the mud and torrential rain was not worthy of my bucket list. Similarly I had hoped for a trip to an apple orchard but would have to drive at least 2 hours each way. I decided after reviewing my availability that it is not making the list this year.

Are you going to load your autumn days with fun activities this year? Leave a comment and let me know what I should be planning for my next fall bucket list.