The Sin of Pumpkin Spice Season 

Abigail Clayton

Most people love fall. It is evident in the very air that we breathe…PSL season. For some this season is awaited with dread. “What sort of thing is going to be pumpkin spiced this year?”, or “why is every store filled with this horribly intoxicating scent?”. But others of us find much more joy in this season. Therefore, you may pass a person with three giant pumpkins in their cart at the grocery store.  

But why is it that this season, filled with dead leaves, seems to bring so much excitement and anticipation to our hearts? Could it be the food, the comforting soups, the pumpkin flavors, the feelings of reminiscence that the spice filled desserts give us? Or the clothing we finally get to wear, the sweaters and sweatpants, the comfy cardigans, the long sleeves, and corduroy pants?  

Perhaps it is the scents, cinnamon apples, pumpkin chai, pecan pie, and bonfires? Or maybe the colors of this season are just comforting in general to us, the calming burnt oranges, the soft pink sunsets, the brown earthy sweaters, the deep forest green, and a deep rust red? The one thing that seems to be an underlying theme is the feelings of comfort that these things evoke.  

It seems strange that even color can evoke certain emotions in us. According to a website titled Art Therapy, colors influence people. Their studies show that color does affect people’s emotions. What is interesting about this article is that colors like burnt orange, soft yellow, deep red, and earthy brown each evoke a sense of warmth. So, it is not just a feeling, these things instill in us a sense of warmth. It is no wonder why some people value this season and anticipate it every year.  

Alumnus Jacob Lotte states that this season, which he describes as his “unreasonable passion for fall”, brings him much joy. “Maybe it’s the hopeful hunting season, the return of football, unbeatable bass fishing, feasts with family, or stunning foliage transformation…much like Gandalf the White, leading the charge at Helms Deep, PSL arrives to put an end to a summer that has long overstayed its welcome, and points us to the joyous moments that lie ahead.”  

The fact that it is starting to get cold, meaning that we can enjoyably eat pumpkin and squash soup fills us with warmth and for some of us feelings of nostalgia. So why do people want this coziness? Why is it that so many stores commercialize our happiness and contentment? This is because comfort is universal.  

Everyone wants to feel some sort of serenity and relaxation. Many people find this holiday season calming and revitalizing. There is nothing wrong with this, finding joy and comfort in things such as memories and feelings that we get from this time of year. The problem comes when this is the source of our comfort. When we anticipate this time of year, or the feeling that comes from this season.  

As Christians there is a reason why we are to look different from society. One of these reasons is because of the simple fact of the gospel. Our hope, our comfort is ultimately found in the person of Christ. It is easy to forget this fact, that our joy is found in the being of Christ. Yes, He gives us blessings and gifts to cherish in this life.  

Luke 11 says, “what Father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish, give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”.  

Psalm 107:9 says, “For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good”. God loves His children and continually gives good gifts for His people to enjoy.