The Simple Joy of Autumn: Little Ones and Snug Walks
There’s something quietly magical about Autumn. The way the leaves turn copper and gold, the air grows crisp, and mornings carry a gentle hush that makes you slow down, even if just a little. This week, I bundled my little one into their snug pram suit and tiny hat and stepped outside. The change in the season felt mirrored in our own lives, subtle but unmistakable.
This particular morning began like many others, yet with its own tiny triumphs. My little one woke, had breakfast, and—against all odds—was happy to get dressed. More than that, they were eager to go outside. Before I could even zip my coat, they were ready to face the cold Autumn air, snug in the buggy. And so we set off.
Of course, the skies had a plan. A light drizzle turned into proper rain. My little one, ever spirited, fought valiantly against the rain cover for three full minutes. Eventually, we surrendered to circumstance and ducked into a nearby café. There, victory awaited in the form of a tiny babychino, consumed with a delight that only a child can muster. From their perch, looking out at the world, it felt as though they were taking the season in, leaf by leaf, drop by drop.
The Seasons of Life and Little Ones
Autumn has a way of reflecting not only the changing world outside but also the changing rhythms of our own lives. Looking back, I can see how each year has brought its own lessons, its own priorities, and its own joys.
Two Years Ago: Just Us, Slow Mornings, and Hot Chocolate
Autumn two years ago was leisurely. It was just me and my partner, a season of slow mornings, long walks, and rich hot chocolate. Life felt quieter, more flexible, and full of small, deliberate pleasures—reading by the window, lingering over breakfasts, and taking time to notice the colours of the leaves. There was a comforting predictability, a gentle rhythm to our days.
Last Year: Newborn Seasons of “Too Hot or Too Cold”
Then came our little one, and with them, a new rhythm. Autumn last year became a season of careful calculation: is the baby too hot or too cold? Layering, constant monitoring, and slower walks became the new normal. Yet, in these small adjustments, there was joy. Every successful outing, every tiny smile, every first glance at a golden leaf felt like a small victory. The season itself became a backdrop for learning, adapting, and celebrating life’s little wins.
This Year: Early Wakes and Adventures
This year, it’s the season of the early-waking little one who insists on being outside, drizzle or frost notwithstanding. Mornings are alive with curiosity, energy, and small triumphs. The priorities have shifted: comfort is still important, but adventure now takes the lead. Life mirrors the changing leaves—sometimes messy, sometimes unpredictable, but always beautiful.
The Beauty of Autumn: Leaves, Rain, and Snug Walks
Autumn has a way of making you notice the little things you might otherwise overlook. The fiery reds and soft golds of the leaves, the scent of damp earth after rain, the crisp bite of air on your cheeks. Every walk becomes a lesson in presence: noticing, pausing, and breathing it all in.
Some practical notes for fellow slow-living parents—or anyone simply wanting to slow down this season:
Autumn Essentials for a Walk with Little Ones
- Rain cover: for those unpredictable showers
- Warm hat and pram suit: snug and cozy, ready for any weather
- Snacks or tiny treat: babychino optional but highly recommended
- Thermos of something warm: for you, because adults deserve comfort too
- Time to pause and notice: the most important item of all
Sometimes, the unplanned moments—the ones where rain interrupts the plan—become the memories you treasure most. Watching your child wrestle with the rain cover, then triumphantly sip a babychino while looking out at the world? That is Autumn in all its messy, beautiful glory.
Finding Joy in Small Experiments
This year, I’ve also decided to try something new: hand-sewing hats for the family. I’ve never done anything like it before. I have no idea how they’ll turn out. Will they be perfectly symmetrical? Probably not. Will they bring joy, laughter, and warmth to our walks? Absolutely.
In Japan, there’s a concept called “Mono no aware” (物の哀れ)—a deep awareness of the impermanence of things and a gentle sadness or beauty in their passing. It reminds us that life’s moments are fleeting and that noticing them, even in small ways, can bring profound joy. Each stitch of the hat, each leaf we watch fall, each giggle in the rain, carries this sense of transience. Life is temporary, and that is exactly what makes it precious.
Ways to Notice the Season
To fully embrace Autumn, consider:
- Look at the leaves – observe their colour, shape, and how they settle on the ground.
- Listen to the rain – hear it patter, splash, and transform the day.
- Pause with a warm drink – tea, hot chocolate, or a babychino to savour the moment.
- Capture small victories – a successful walk, a giggle, a first sight of changing colours.
- Reflect on your life seasons – consider how your priorities and routines have shifted from last year or even two years ago.
These small experiments—trying something new, noticing details, taking time to slow down—are what make Autumn so richly rewarding. It’s about embracing impermanence, presence, and the joy of little things.
Gentle Questions for the Road
Autumn is more than changing trees. It’s about noticing transformation—in the world around us, and in ourselves. From early-morning walks to rain-covered adventures, babychino victories, and hand-sewn hat experiments, this season invites reflection, playfulness, and presence.
Life’s impermanence reminds us to cherish these fleeting, everyday moments. The simple joys—the giggles, the crunchy leaves underfoot, the warmth of a cosy pram suit—are fleeting, and that is exactly what makes them so meaningful. This Autumn, I’m choosing to embrace the little moments, slow down, and notice the beauty around and within us, one snug walk at a time.
- When did you last pause to notice a seasonal change?
- What small experiment could bring joy into your life this season?
- How has the “season of life” shifted for you this year?