15 Collecting leavesPlanning fun doesn't sound like much fun, does it? I used to think fun wasn't fun unless you're flying by the seat of your pants.

 My husband always says, “If you're not standing on the edge, you're taking up too much space.” Spontaneity is fun, but somehow as I age, there's, ironically I might add, not much room in our schedule for it — responsibilities take precedence over unplanned weekend trips and doing nothing wins over filling our days with busyness, which I'm mostly thankful for.

Even still, fall only creeps in once a year and I want to be fully present for it. Though I don't care for it, planning fun fall activities, whether at home, when we want to do nothing, or away, ensures that I can and will experience all there is to fall and its colorful, crisp, pumpkin-y goodness.

So what does one do when one doesn't plan very well? Make a list. Lists are magical. They make you feel like you're accomplishing so much more than you actually are, which makes you want to get more done. Really, you're just tricking yourself into being productive, and I need all the help I can get. Sometimes I'll even put things I've already done on a list, just so I can cross them off because, dang it, I am getting things done.

This year, I've decided to make a fall bucket list full of fun only-experience-in-the-fall kind of activities — some for at home when you want to do “nothing,” and some mini-getaways. Here are some ideas you and your family might enjoy as well.

• Make some sort of fall treat — pumpkin/chocolate chip bread, apple cinnamon muffins, apple pie, cinnamon chip scones, etc.
• Visit the Biltmore Esate in Asheville.
• Go apple picking.
• Make a fall playlist on Spotify.
• Decorate the front porch for fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving.
• Carve pumpkins.
• Find and press 20 different leaves, maybe frame some.
• Drink a lot of apple cider.
• Visit a corn maze.
• Go to a football game.
• Host a bonfire and make s'mores.
• Buy Halloween candy — to pass out to trick-or-treaters, or just to eat.
• Go hiking after the leaves turn.
• Watch a Halloween movie — I love "Hocus Pocus" or the "Addams Family" or "Casper"!
• Make a big pot of chili.
• Make a gratitude list.
• Go for a hay ride.
• Rake leaves for a neighbor.
• Go to the State Fair.
• Take a fall foliage drive. I love Hwy 421 in the fall.

I could add a million things to this list, but there's just not enough time. I love fall. Now ... Where can I plug these into my calendar?

Need some help with that fall playlist I mentioned? Tune into Christian 105.7. We're here 24/7 with fresh fall sounds to help you ease into the coziest season ever.