It is a bit strange to write about autumn in December… I originally meant to do it in November at the latest, but I just kept prioritising other things, so here we are!
Autumn is most people’s favourite season for a reason, the weather is mild and it’s beautiful outside. Especially for those living in hot climates it’s a literal breath of fresh air after the heat. It was for me when I lived in a hotter climate! These days it’s somewhat of a dreaded time, because while I enjoy autumn itself I really struggle in the Danish winter. But let’s talk about autumn in Denmark for now!
In Denmark it feels like autumn arrives a bit early, towards the end of August. It might be because most people go back to work and children go to school. I’m used to August being the height of people taking summer vacations, so every year it makes me a bit sad that summer seems to be cut so short over here. Thankfully August and even September are still quite warm and bright, but the first hints of the changing seasons are here, it’s noticeable in the dry fields, fading flowers and slightly rusty leaves.
September always feels a bit melancholic to me. I don’t like seeing summer go, especially in Denmark, knowing what is coming: the long darkness and cold. I try to make the most of it with extra walks in nature, bike trips and seizing every opportunity to soak the sun. It’s also a good time to add some vitamin D to my daily routine 😁
This year I discovered the lovely town of Tisvildeleje with their nice beach and beautiful forest, perfect for a little adventure. Other favourite destinations near Copenhagen are Gribskov, Hareskov and Dyrehaven. I’m sure there are many more nice areas around, I’m just somewhat slow to discover them.
October is my favourite autumn month and probably my second or third favourite of all. It’s also one that fills me with anxiety every year, because I never feel ready for the coming winter. It’s mild, colourful and cosy and absolutely perfect for outdoors adventures and photo walks 😊
And following one of my favourite months is one of my least favourite months: November! I’m sorry November, but you really kinda suck. In the last weekend of October we change the time back from Daylight saving time, which means that all of a sudden it’s dark at 16 and it keeps getting darker. This November there was barely any sun at all. It is so cloudy that days are sometimes just barely brighter than nights (well, I’m exaggerating a bit of course, but I’ve been using lamps all day long, so it feels true!). It’s been raining almost every day and worse of all, the wind has been awful. Wind is maybe the worst feature Denmark has to offer, especially to us biking enthusiasts 😅 When you also add a pouring rain- it’s a certain recipe for misery!
This year I found the transition particularly difficult. The cold and darkness affected me quite a lot. I missed the sun, missed my walks and just couldn’t make myself go outside, because I have such a hard time in the cold, especially anything below 15 degrees and no, putting more clothes on does not solve anything, sure it helps a little, but the effect is quite limited.
I was feeling more tired and sleepy all day, I could barely make myself get out of bed and do anything. It has become a bit easier now, so maybe I got somewhat adjusted, but I also know the next few months (until April) aren’t going to be a piece of cake for me.
When there isn’t much to do outside it’s time to spend more time at home. This autumn I’ve picked up embroidery again and also reading and casual sketching. It’s not much, but I have time to come up with more. Unfortunately I’ve had some friends moving away, which means less company, but thankfully I’m quite good at entertaining myself. Whenever possible board game evenings are quite cosy too! Whenever the weather is tolerable outside I also like to go on little photo walks. Sometimes taking out the camera even at home helps me to seek and find the little beautiful and cosy details in everyday life.
Now that I’m fairly settled for the cold days, winter has arrived and even though I dread the cold I’ll still enjoy some bits of it. I’m excited to see some snow, which is rare here in Copenhagen and it doesn’t really last, but I hope we’ll meet soon! Christmas also helps a little with the lights everywhere and general festive excitement in the air. And after all, it’s never too soon to start dreaming for spring! Well for me anyway.
