Ok. Let’s settle this once and for all — “fall back” is, hands down, the better half of the time change debate. Hear me out.

Though I do really love longer, sun-filled days, by this point in the year I' am ready to settle into my homebody nature. These shortened days are God-ordained, and this is the time of the year when the rhythm of life is meant to change a bit. The sun sets earlier to send us inside to cozy up, hunker down and snuggle in. It’s also the time of year for community and to celebrate the harvest of our year’s worth of labor. I know it doesn’t feel that way with the busyness of the holidays, but I believe we are meant to slow down at this time of year…to focus on what’s important and savor slowing down.

What Actually is “Fall Back?”

“Fall back” is essentially the end of Daylight Savings Time. When we turn our clocks back an hour, we are going back to Standard Time. I often wonder why we still endure time change — the “need” we often blamed it on no longer exists since we are far more technologically advanced than when we were when Daylight Savings Time was initiated. While the change is often attributed to farming and making the most of the daylight hours, that’s actually a myth! It has something to do with Ben Franklin not wanting to waste his mornings in bed (since it stays darker later towards the end of DST). Haha!

The days naturally get longer and shorter, and I think we just need to pick one and move on. BUT, I do really love in November when the clocks are turned back. “Fall back” is definitely better than “spring forward,” in my humble opinion.

Why Do I Think Fall Back Is Better?

An extra hour of sun in the morning? Yes, please!

I love a slow morning, and when there is more sunshine in the early morning hours, I just feel happier! When the sun is coming up during my morning rituals, I feel as if I am more equipped to have a better day. I can linger over my coffee longer and add small self-care tasks that I couldn’t do if it was still dark outside — take a sunrise walk with my dogs, putter in my garden or even just sit in my east-facing room to watch the sun come up. During Daylight Savings, the sun doesn’t come up until I am well into the “get up and get moving" part of my morning routine, and I miss out on savoring the early morning sunshine.

So make the most of that hour! How can you include some self-care rituals that include the early morning sun?

Longer, candlelit evenings are my jam.

Earlier sunsets mean cozy and candlelit evening. I feel like the sun going down is the perfect excuse to stay home, and that is music to my homebody ears. I love my home, and I love being in it — puttering around styling and fluffing, cooking a meal, snuggling with my pups, etc. The first thing I do when I get home in the evenings during this time of year is light my seasonal favorite candles: Leaves by Bath & Body Works for fall and Nest Fragrances Holiday for the Christmas season. If the weather is right, I make a cup of soup, light the table candles and savor a slow meal by candlelight (even by myself!). Then I snuggle up with my pups on the couch with a warm blanket and a fun show or movie. Some favorites this time of year: Gilmore Girls and You’ve Got Mail..

A reason to reset and embrace rituals

When the time changes, its the perfect opportunity to reset and adjust your rituals to accommodate the change of pace and change of season. I use this seasonal shift as an opportunity to reflect on routines I’d like to change, remove or add that will contribute to a more joyful, fulfilling life for me.

More opportunity for connection and hospitality

Fall and winter are times for gatherings and connection, even if we’re spending more time indoors. These darker evenings offer the perfect chance to nurture your connections — whether that’s inviting a friend over for a cozy movie night or having a meal with family and friends by candlelight. You can make these extra special by setting a seasonal table or pulling our your treasured seasonal heirlooms like decorations and vintage dishes.

Whether you agree with my “unpopular opinion” or not, I encourage you to embrace this time of year. While shorters days aren’t for everyone, there’s joy to be found in the intentional slowdown. You can curate joy and contentment by intentional planning things to look forward to on these darker days.

Do you have a favorite fall ritual or a special way to embrace this season? Share it in the comments below!