As the wind begins to gain a breeze, the leaves fall effortlessly from their branches, and a bit of a frost covers the grass as we walk out to start our days. The world is hinting to us that something amazing is about to happen: the “ber” months have arrived. 

These “ber” months I speak of can be more commonly classified as the beautiful and mystifying four months that come just before the year closes: September, October, November and December. Jam-packed with holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, this time of year is filled with fun, love and nostalgia. 

If the months of the year were gifted with the ability to come alive and begin a life as humans, these “ber” months would be the popular best friends that everyone knows and loves. Their three letter ending, which equates to the sound people make when they’re cold, acts as a well-known symbol to those around them that they are near. They’re the group of months that January and March wish they were a part of, and months like June and July plot against.

September

September is the weird younger sibling that only made the cut because they’re a legacy and their mommy wrote them a note. 

It’s a bit of an awkward transitional period between the new norms of school and summer, but without September, the glory days of the months to come wouldn’t be the same. 

I’m not saying September is nothing special; this month is filled with tons of barbeques, final pool parties and more. Although it is the worst “ber” month, it still outdoes February by a long shot.

October

October is most definitely the black cat of the group. They are the friend that, despite being mean at times, will protect their loved ones no matter what. 

Spending their free time obsessing over horror movies and Halloween costumes, October is filled with creativity, friendships, and scares. The core memories of devouring Halloween candy and crunching brownish-orange leaves on walks is what April wishes it had. 

November

November is the shy, introverted girl who finds comfort in romance novels and baggy sweaters. Never seen without a pumpkin spice latte, November brings relaxation and enjoyment. 

This month is for the food lovers, the book girlies, and the autumn experts. Whether it’s spending time with family and loved ones, watching football under a big screen, or just a simple stroll under the trees, almost everyone has a long-lasting memory that can give them joy in the cold breeze of November. January could never.

December

December is “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift and the scent Into The Night, by Bath and Body Works. She is the outgoing party girl who may be struggling on the inside, but she’ll figure it out eventually.

Filled with holiday parties, gift giving, and seasonal depression, December has an event for every mood. 

“There’s glitter on the floor after the party. Girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby,” Swift sang in one of her most December songs, “New Year’s Day.”

Even with the seasonal slump, December will forever beat March. 

Whether it’s making the most of your last summer tan, putting the finishing touches on your Halloween costume, reading a romance novel with a pumpkin spice latte, or ripping open presents on Christmas Day, everyone has something to do and some way to celebrate. So, grab your lattes and warm blankets, sit back, and watch as the best four months of the year go by.