Summer used to be my favorite season in childhood. Throughout the whole year I’d dream about it arriving and was the happiest from the months of June to August. That is until I realized that I love not the season itself but the three months of holidays, freedom and fun it came with. Then I slowly started to appreciate autumn to the point that it became and still remains my most favorite. Once I graduated from university and no longer had holidays, summer completely lost its appeal, becoming almost dreadful.

However, in the past few years I’ve been trying to make amends with this season. I don’t think it will ever become my favorite again – at least not until I move to somewhere north – but since it already exists, why not try to change my attitude, trying to notice its perks, cause it sure has many.

So, since I’ve badmouthed summer quite a lot, I think it’s time to do some justice and talk about the good things this season offers, things that I actually like. And maybe someone out there who’s a summer hater like I was, will learn to treat it at least a little better.

Swimming and sunbathing

This is probably my most favorite activity of this season. I’ve always loved spending my days around pool or sea whenever there’s a chance, and I find it one of the best ways to fight those horrible heatwaves. Swimming also has a peculiar quality: it’s an active hobby, so it can be considered a good physical exercise but it’s also so relaxing and soothing, especially when you just lie on your back and swing on the waves. As a bonus you get beautifully suntanned when you lie under the sun to dry out, soaking up as much vitamin D as possible.

The feeling of freedom

You know what I find the most interesting about summer? The fact that it always feels like a holiday even if you spend your days at work. There’s something about the air in summer that carries the feeling of fun, laziness and freedom that affects everyone. Perhaps it’s subconsciously connected with the fact that for around 15 years it actually was the ultimate “doing nothing” season. So, once it arrives, our brain automatically gets in the vacation mode regardless of the circumstances.

And you can feel that atmosphere around especially if you walk in the city center which becomes a nonstop fiesta during these months. Tourists walking around, enjoying the sights, people sitting in cafes up until midnight, music pouring from every corner, children playing in the playgrounds for hours… This really gives the feeling as though you’re at a resort town having no responsibilities, doesn’t it?

Seasonal fruits

As a person who loves fresh fruits this one’s really important. Sure, now there are special greenhouses that grow almost everything all year round, but I do prefer it the old-school way, having to wait until June to eat those small green apples, cherries and apricots, then switching to corns, peaches and pears in July and finally savoring the melons and watermelons in August. There’s nothing like a fresh fruit in its right season especially if you happen to have your own garden or go fruit-picking in the local orchards.

Late evenings outside

Summer evenings are the best. Even after the hottest days it gets a little breezy and chilly in the evening and you can finally enjoy your time outside. As the sun goes down, the sky gets painted in all the possible colors from bright orange to mysterious purple, and it’s always the most surreal sight. I love going out for a walk or sitting in the garden and reading a book. Somehow the story gets more interesting when I read it outside: I don’t know how but I always enjoy reading much more when I’m outside in twilight.

Fun gatherings

Another thing I can’t explain that remains a fact is that summer is the perfect time for fun gatherings. Some of my friends and family who live abroad usually visit their homeland in these months and it’s always so nice getting to catch up and spend some quality time with them. I especially cherish our cozy gatherings in the country house, as we make BBQ, swim in the pool, have a delicious feast, play board games. In times like this you really appreciate people surrounding you, realizing how important these connections are.

The anticipation of autumn

I know this sounds a bit strange in this whole “praising summer” post, but hear me out. Since autumn is my favorite season I can’t help but look forward to it. And honestly sometimes I get more thrilled for it in July or August rather than when it actually arrives. Whenever there’s a rainy day or I see a yellow leaf, or the pumpkins in my garden finally grow, I can’t help but feel excited for my soul’s season to come. I may even start adding some new sweaters or decor items to my cart. And I know this sounds even stranger, but somehow the anticipation of autumn makes me appreciate summer and what I love about it even more. Knowing that this all will soon come to its end makes the moment even more special, as you want to savor it as much as possible.