Alas, summer is coming to a close because September 22[1] is, however unfortunate, the first day of fall[2] .


The season officially begins at 8:44 p.m. EDT [3] during the autumnal equinox[4] , when the sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator and both day and night are about equal. Fall[5] will last a solid three months until the beginning of Winter on December 21, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.


But all is not lost!


There are quite a few reasons to appreciate the season, including some spectacular foliage.



It's basically the time for trees to reevaluate their priorities and start anew.



And it really is the perfect time for a hot cup of tea.



And campfires.



Really, it's just a time for nature to be beautiful.



There are fall breezes.



And some stellar food. Because there's nothing better than a warm cookie on a cold night.



It's a time to reflect, and settle in to a new post-summer groove.



So, fall, we welcome you with open arms. Bring on the pie.




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  • The President


    In this 2009 photo released by Steve Sillett, The President, a Giant Sequoia Tree, is shown in Sequoia National Park, Calif. After 3,240 years the Giant Sequoia is still growing wider at a consistent rate, which may be what most surprised the scientists examining how they and coastal redwoods will be impacted by climate change and whether they have a role to play in combatting it. (AP Photo/Steve Sillett)




  • Socotra Dragon Tree


    Socotra Archipelago




  • General Sherman


    Sequoia National Park, California




  • Boab Prison Tree


    Derby, Australia




  • Major Oak


    Nottinghamshire, England




  • Lone Cypress


    Monterey, California




  • Tree of Life


    Bahrain




  • Cedars Of God


    Lebanon




  • Árbol del Tule


    Oaxaca, Mexico




  • Avenue Of The Baobabs


    Madagascar




  • The Angel Oak


    Johns Island, South Carolina




  • Old Tjikko


    Sweden




  • Arbre du Tenere


    Sahara Desert, Niger. Destroyed in 1973.




  • The Great Banyan


    India




  • Grizzly Giant


    Yosemite National Park