7 Awesome Things About October

It’s easy to get depressed when October hits. The summer is both socially and literally over. The days are getting shorter. And Old Man Winter is waiting in the wings to ruin your good time. But October has some real positive things too.

Halloween

Halloween is a cool holiday. It is really the only one who’s entire point is to have fun. Get dressed up, eat candy, go to parties. That’s awesome. As a kid it was great, but as an adult it’s even better because it is the one time a year adults are encouraged to tap into their inner child and be playful.

What you should do about it: Do something fun this year for Halloween. Go to or throw a party. Eat some candy. Push the envelope with your costume. (But first read my guide on proper Halloween costume choosing).

Use of the term “Rocktober”

Some radio station right now is celebrating “Rocktober.” It’s their excuse to play better and more rock music. Whatever the reason, I support it. Because more rock music means a) a much lower chance of hearing country music and b) an at least 5% higher chance of hearing a Rush song on the radio (we Rush fans have to take what we can get…).

What you should do about it: Anytime you are listen to music a rock song comes on, look at the people around you, pump your fist in the air, and over-enthusiastically shout, “Rocktober!” Bonus points if you stick your tongue out too.

Horror Movies

I do enjoy a good horror movie, and there is no better time to watch one than October. I’m sure Halloween has something to do with it, but also there is something with the slight chill, short nights, and the overall lack of forced “you must feel good” sentiment that hits in November and December. This is a great time of year to scare yourself.

What you should do about it: Go watch a horror movie. A good one, not the dreadful pointless “torture porn” that’s passed off as horror these days. You can never go wrong watching the original Halloween…

Pumpkins

Pumpkin flavored stuff is awesome! I don’t know how exactly it gets from its giant fruit form into all the things I like, and frankly, I don’t care. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin ale, pumpkin spiced lattes. It’s all good, it’s all delicious, and it all happens now, in October.

What you should do about it: Bake a pumpkin pie and invite me over for dinner. Or get a 6-pack of pumpkin ale and invite me over for a beer. Or do something else that is delicious, uses pumpkin, and somehow allows me to enjoy it.

Oktoberfest

Mmmmmm, beer. ‘Nuff said.

What you should do about it: Go drink a beer. Now.

The Weather

Thanks to global warming (or rather, as my friend once corrected me, “large scale climate shift”), October is the new September. I can walk all around the city in a just a short sleeve t-shirt, not be cold, and not sweat. Take that summer months!

What you should do about it: Take advantage while it lasts. Get outside and enjoy your self. I’m not saying you have to go wilderness hiking or mountain biking. I’m happy to sit outside with a beer and friend and toast to our good health!

The Last Pre-Christmas Gasp

Quick: Watch some TV, read a newspaper, or turn on the radio. You know what you don’t see or hear? Christmas music or ads! October is the last month before the media and advertising blitz of the holiday season begins. I love the holidays, and I’m ok listening to some Christmas music when I’m at the mall, but does anyone need two whole months of “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?” I submit that they do not.

What you should do about it: Enjoy and appreciate the relative peace and quiet you have now. Because it’s going to end very soon.

The Takeaway

Life is all about perspective. Everything, October included, has positives and negatives. There’s no reason that, when you’re feeling blue about something, you can’t simply refocus and look for whatever positive aspects you can find. It’s a nice way to go through life. And October.

What you should do about it: Take a second and think about what else you do (or could) enjoy about October. Add your ideas to the comments section!