What I love most about autumn? Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Not in a “basic Instagram girl” kind of way, but in a “my psoriasis can only tolerate two of these bad boys per season, so I savour them like they’re liquid gold” kind of way. Twice. That’s my strict, doctor-approved PSL allowance.

Every autumn/winter in Japan, the weather turns all chilly and breezy the sort of weather that makes you want to wrap yourself in ten layers of knitwear and glare at anyone who still insists on iced coffee. Normally, I’d get properly grumpy the second the temperature drifts even a smidge “south or west” of my liking (below toasty duvet standards). But for the first time in my life, I’m actually… looking forward to the cold. No idea why. Maybe I lived through this summer too deliberately. Maybe I’ve finally gone mad. Either way, bring on the frosty mornings.

See, I used to be one of those people you know the type. Whinging in winter that it’s too cold, whinging in summer that it’s too hot. Basically, a year-round weather “sad Susan”. But as I’ve got older (and allegedly wiser emphasis on allegedly), I’ve realised winter’s actually miles better than summer. Why? Because when you’re freezing, you can just add layers. Jumpers, coats, scarves, hats you could waddle out the door looking like a walking laundry pile and still be toasty. But in summer? Even if you strolled around stark naked, you’d still be melting. And no one needs to see that.

So, yes, winter wins.

This autumn, I’m looking forward to cold nights, hot drinks, and the annual tradition of pretending I’ll get into baking ( I won’t). And since Halloween is lurking on the horizon (not quite here yet, but close enough to start plotting) I’m seriously considering channelling my inner Morticia Addams. Pale skin, dark hair, long dress, resting witch face? Basically me already, just with better eyeliner.

Loads of love,

Hannah