I usually hear “nesting” as a term that applies just to pregnant, expecting moms—“nesting” used to explain that urge many expectant women feel to clean, organize and decorate their homes. I think, however, that we families (moms, dads, and kids too) feel compelled to nest at different times—not just while waiting for the birth of a baby. If spring is considered the time of year when we clean things up and air things out to move our lives outside, then I think that autumn is the time of year we snuggle in, snuggle up and nest…
I am not as interested in the “home-making” aspects of nesting as much as I find the family bonding and parenting opportunities of this change in the season to be wonderful. I definitely am starting to see my kids more as they come home earlier since it is getting darker earlier. Even on nights when there are after-school activities and soccer practice, I am much more likely to see them for supper as they trundle home wet, muddy, exhausted, and hungry!
We are starting to settle in with candles burning and watch movies or television together and even the requested items on the grocery shopping list are starting to change—hot cocoa and canned soup made their first appearances in several months now that the wet, grey, cool weather has set in. This past weekend, I cleaned my own bedroom and brought the winter bedding out of the closet—adding blankets and comforters and pulling out the flannel sheets. I added a few snuggly afghans and quilts to the basket in the living room too—anticipating more of that community nesting that is already under way.
Even with all our modern amenities and our super-charged, well-regulated modern lives—I do still think we are affected by the seasons and the weather—especially if we let ourselves be. This time of year—Autumn—just calls out for some family nesting, regardless of whether you are expecting a baby or not!
Also: The Family Hour
Don’t Let Summer Pass Without Going Barefoot
Finding Ways to Mark the Passing Time