Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31, is a festive night filled with costumes, candy, and community fun. Best known for trick-or-treating, creative costumes, and spooky traditions, it brings people of all ages together. But have you ever wondered where Halloween comes from and what it really represents?

Halloween traces its roots back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, allowing spirits to wander the earth. To protect themselves, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off these wandering souls.

As Christianity spread, Samhain traditions merged with All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1 to honor saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which, over time, shortened into the name we use today—Halloween.

In America, Halloween began to take on a new character as customs from European immigrants blended with local traditions, including those of Indigenous peoples. Early celebrations often centered on harvest festivals and community gatherings known as “play parties,” where people shared stories of the dead, told fortunes, sang, and danced.

The modern version of Halloween gained momentum in the mid-19th century, when a wave of Irish immigrants fleeing the Potato Famine brought their customs to the United States. Dressing in costumes and going door-to-door asking for food or money became a popular activity—eventually evolving into today’s trick-or-treating.

Over time, this once-sacred observance transformed into a joyful celebration that combines ancient rituals, folklore, and community traditions. Today, Halloween is recognized as a night of imagination and fun—complete with costumes, candy, and a touch of spooky magic.

Autumn is a beautiful season, with vibrant leaves shining in the sunlight. The cool, crisp air makes it perfect for outdoor walks, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while reaping unexpected health benefits.

One of the most captivating aspects of fall is the stunning transformation of colors—from lively greens to warm golden tones. Autumn practically bursts with beauty, and walking through it can deepen your appreciation of nature while giving you a chance to slow down and truly notice your surroundings.

Beyond the scenery, autumn walks offer a natural boost for your well-being. They help counter the lower energy levels that often accompany the shift from summer to winter. Many people find that even a short stroll leaves them feeling happier, healthier, and calmer. The combination of fresh air, gentle movement, and the soothing palette of fall colors can ease stress and uplift your mood.

Walking also provides meaningful physical benefits. The low-impact motion keeps joints flexible and strong, making it especially helpful if you deal with stiffness or arthritis. Unlike more intense workouts, walking is easy on the body while still keeping you active and moving.

It’s equally powerful for heart health. Regular walks can improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and support long-term cardiovascular wellness. Consider it a simple yet highly effective way to invest in your health—one step at a time.

In the end, an autumn walk is more than just a seasonal pastime—it’s a chance to refresh your body, clear your mind, and reconnect with the natural world. With so many benefits packed into such a simple activity, this fall is the perfect time to lace up your shoes, step outside, and let the season work its magic on your well-being.

Fall is a season of abundance, filled with a vibrant harvest of fruits and vegetables. Embracing fall produce connects you to the season and inspires comforting meals that celebrate nature’s bounty.

Farmers’ markets and grocery stores flourish with seasonal favorites, encouraging you to enjoy comforting soups, roasted sides, festive pies, and spiced beverages. Prepare your ultimate shopping list; we’re here to help!

Apples are available from late summer to late fall, perfect for sweet and savory dishes like peanut butter slices, Waldorf salad, homemade applesauce, or apple pie.

Pears are also in season throughout the fall and can be used in baked goods, salads with blue cheese and walnuts, or enjoyed fresh.

Figs are harvested in late fall, offering their fresh flavor for salads during the season.

Beets are available throughout fall, storing well and providing versatility in purees, salads, soups, or pickled dishes.

Pumpkins, a fall staple from early to mid-fall, are great for bread, pie, soup, cheesecake, ice cream, and lattes.

Sweet potatoes are available from late summer to the end of fall, store well, and are perfect for roasting or puréeing in soups.

Cabbage is harvested in late fall and comes in various shapes, colors, and sizes. This vegetable is a staple in many homes and is used for coleslaw, fermented kimchi, stuffed cabbage leaves, and as a substitute for schnitzel.

Experience the best of fall products by looking for vibrant colors and firm textures. Select crisp leafy greens and fragrant, ripe fruits. This is how to choose the best options. And when in doubt, you can always ask farmers or store staff for advice!

Columbus Day in 2025 falls on Monday, October 13th, giving you the perfect chance to enjoy a long weekend getaway. With crisp fall weather, vibrant foliage, and numerous seasonal events taking place around the country, this three-day break is an ideal time to escape the routine and recharge.

If you're looking to make the most of your Columbus Day break, there are numerous destinations that are ideal for a quick three-day escape.

Craving for nature and relaxation? Try:

• Smoky Mountains (TN/NC) with its crisp fall foliage, cozy cabins, scenic drives like Clingmans Dome.
• Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC) is renowned for its peak fall leaf-peeping in October. Great for hiking and wine country stops.
• Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) boasts the best early fall colors, as well as kayaking, hiking, and hot tubs overlooking the lake.

For city escapes, here are some great options:

• Boston, MA – Participate in historic tours, fall festivals, and Freedom Trail walks while the weather is perfect.
• Chicago, IL – There are numerous food tours, jazz clubs, architecture river cruises, and Oktoberfest events.
• San Francisco, CA – Golden Gate hikes, ferry to Sausalito, and Napa/Sonoma wine country, just a short drive away.

If you want a romantic and cozy getaway, what about these?

• Napa Valley, CA – There are wine tastings and vineyard views in autumn.
• Hudson Valley, NY – Experience farm-to-table dining, boutique inns, and pumpkin patches.
• Charlottesville, VA – Visit wineries and apple orchards while learning about Monticello’s history.

October is a great time to enjoy fall scenery, allowing for a relaxing time to appreciate nature and all it has to offer. Be sure to take advantage of the three-day-weekend and soak in the beautiful weather before the colder temperatures arrive.

When someone inflicts pain on you, clinging to anger or resentment may feel not only warranted but also oddly reassuring. Harboring a grudge might appear to be a means of regaining control or shielding yourself from additional hurt.

Nevertheless, researchers in psychology have discovered that genuine, deliberate forgiveness—when engaged with carefully—can provide significant advantages.

Experts have long recognized the strong link between forgiveness and overall well-being. Letting go of resentment reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels, biological changes that can ease physical symptoms like headaches, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.

Beyond physical health, forgiveness also nurtures emotional clarity. Holding onto anger or bitterness clouds judgment and strains relationships. In contrast, choosing to forgive lifts emotional burdens, encourages healing, and strengthens our connections with others.

Forgiveness also has the power to mend fractured relationships. When we forgive, we open the door to reconciliation and create space for trust, empathy, and mutual understanding to grow. It fosters compassion, enhances communication, and lays the foundation for more authentic, fulfilling bonds. By letting go of resentment, we create the possibility for broken relationships to heal and flourish.

Equally important is the act of forgiving ourselves. This can often be the hardest form of forgiveness, blocked by guilt and the pressure of unrealistic expectations. Yet, self-forgiveness is vital for mental and emotional well-being. It’s a skill—one that leads to self-compassion, growth, and inner peace.

Ultimately, forgiveness isn’t just a generous act toward others—it’s a powerful step toward personal freedom. It is a courageous form of self-care that releases us from the weight of bitterness and pain. Embrace forgiveness, reclaim your strength, and make space for lasting peace, healing, and connection in our lives.

Many of us encounter brief, unexpected gaps in our daily schedules—those fleeting moments that can often be referred to as "time confetti." These snippets of free time, which might last only a few minutes, are frequently spent mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds or checking the latest emails.

If you find yourself regularly falling into this familiar trap, it may be time to shift your perspective and realize the potential of these idle moments.

Instead of getting distracted, use your free time to learn by listening to podcasts. Podcasts cover many topics, from science and history to personal stories and different viewpoints.

Besides helping you learn new things and gain insights, you can discover new interests during your spare time or while on the go. Here are some of our favorite podcasts:

The Daily Stoic  Short, insightful episodes that draw from Stoic philosophy, making them perfect for mindful breaks.

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris  This podcast focuses on mindfulness, meditation, and mental health, often featuring leading experts and teachers.

This American Life  Richly produced stories about ordinary people and their extraordinary experiences.

The RobCast with Rob Bell  Encouraging and philosophical, this podcast offers reflections on life and meaning, often with a spiritual touch.

On Being  Rather than providing answers, this podcast invites listeners into a space of curiosity, wonder, and meaningful dialogue.

Who’s On Content?!   Explore a new trending topic weekly, from gut health to NFTs, broadening your knowledge one episode at a time.

Adding podcasts to your daily routine is a great way to make the most of your downtime. They are easily accessible and cover a wide variety of topics, helping you understand the world better and turn small moments into valuable experiences.