The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

For this week’s column, I’m going with something more lighthearted: existential dread. I’m kidding.

My last couple of columns have been a little dreary in nature. Sometimes that’s what life throws at you.

How about we talk about fall and Halloween? Because I’ve been wanting to talk about Halloween since Sept. 1. At least now that it’s October, it’s socially acceptable. I am in the Halloween stores pretty much as soon as they open. 

Sadly, I don’t like pumpkin spice lattes. But I do like salted caramel mochas. And I love Starbucks’ secret Harry Potter butterbeer drinks. Either frozen or hot, I think both are a great fall treat — or if you’re me, an every-season treat.

Thank you, Starbucks, for feeding my caffeine addiction.

I also love that most Indigo Chapters bookstores have a Starbucks attached to them. They are two of my favorite places.

Way too much sugar, and too much money spent on books. Do you know how glorious a Chapters is in the fall? They also sell cozy sweaters and scarves, which I absolutely will buy.

Fall is seriously one of the best times for book releases. We get all the good spooky stuff that my witchy heart cannot deny.

These are my most anticipated releases for fall:

• “The Bone Houses,” by Emily Lloyd-Jones;
• “Winterwood,” by Shea Earnshaw;
• “Tunnel of Bones,” by Victoria Schwab.

And my most anticipated movie release? “The Addams Family.”

Fall weather makes everything just a little bit better. I can move more easily, getting rid of the stuffiness from the summer heat that tends to make my muscles sluggish. But it’s still not cold enough to freeze me in place and numb my fingers. Even the air feels easier to breathe.

Finally, the Holy Grail. Halloween.

We don’t give out Halloween candy or decorate the house anymore. When I was in school, I would dress up almost every year. I love seeing pictures of kids who incorporate their Halloween costumes with their wheelchairs or mobility aids. I never bothered, because I was usually the Corpse Bride or a witch. Predictable, but always my favorites.

Our plans for this Halloween include getting cozy, watching a scary movie, and eating copious amounts of chocolate.

Do you have a favorite time of year? Or a favorite holiday? If so, leave a description in the comments. Does it help with the symptoms of your disability? Or does it just make you happy?

I hope to hear from you!

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Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.