The “Ber” months, September, October, November, and December to be specific, mark a significant shift for many in many ways. The summer comes to a close in September, Halloween kicks off three months of holidays, November sees a significant cool-down and Thanksgiving, and then, there’s the holiday-packed end of the year with December. What is it, though, that makes these months so much more special than other months with holidays?

To begin with, the arrival of the “Ber” months generally signals a cooling in temperature. Even with the recent rise of temperatures globally, temperatures start to dip in September, and by October and November, it’s more and more comfortable. It’s difficult to cool immediately off when it’s 100-plus degrees outside, but when it’s more brisk, a jacket or sweater can make for an extremely comfortable day. 

That leads to the next way in which the “Ber” months are special: coziness. Regular readers will remember the article on “Hygge” (pronounced Hee-you-gah), which emphasizes the importance and benefits of coziness. It’s a lot easier to be cozy, wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot chocolate or cider when it’s chillier outside. What’s not to love about taking a stroll in a warm sweater through crunchy leaves when there’s a chilly breeze blowing?

Variety, they say, is the spice of life. The citrus and tropical flavors of summer are fantastic as far as they go, but the “Ber” months bring a welcome change of pace. Pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple bring warmth and rich flavor to the autumn, while chocolate and peppermint bring a festive taste to December. Even those who don’t care for pumpkin spice or eggnog can find something to break up the summer monotony. 

Of course, one of the biggest reasons why the “Ber” months are so special is because of the holidays. While September may be devoid of large, widely recognized holidays, Halloween decorations are not strange to see starting as early as the first of that same month. The Halloween season begins a host of holidays that bring about celebrations, special movies, parties and traditions that really only come about once a year.

Which brings up a symptomatic benefit of the “Ber” months, time with family and friends. It’s not impossible to reunite with family and friends throughout the year, but there’s something more special about coming together for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or any celebration in December. Memories are created, alongside traditions, and it brings a physical and emotional warmth in a time when days are getting shorter and colder. 

As with the summer months, the “Ber” months will be what people make of them. There is so much potential that starts with September, and carries right through the end of the year, so why not make the “Ber” months the best of the year?