I broke out the old fall coat for the first time today. It’s been unseasonably warm here on the east coast this October, but this morning I went outside for my run and it was clear that fall had truly and finally arrived.

As I walked down the streets of Manhattan with my hands in my jeans pockets to keep them warm, I remembered what jacket I was wearing. My fall jacket, which, like most jackets, has a soft lining located on the inside of it’s pockets that would provide my hands with much needed warmth. I slid my hands into the openings on the side of my coat and for the first time this year and rediscovered the inviting warmth of coat pockets. It’s a very specific feeling, and one that I usually forget about over the long summer months.

Along with the warm feeling, I also discovered some hidden knick-knacks left over from last fall and winter. This is one of my favorite parts about the changing of seasons, when I put on my coat, and I happen upon things from last fall/winter that had been left in the pockets all summer long. It’s like an accidental time capsule. This might sound gross, but I’m not talking about gum or Kit-Kat wrappers.

I’m talking about that old movie ticket reminding you of the great date where you spent the extra money for the lazy boy seats and ordered dessert right into the theatre.

I’m talking about the pen that you stole from the bank when you cashed your holiday bonus check.

I’m talking about the still wrapped up complimentary mint that you will never eat now, but that reminds you of that special meal you shared with your whole family at that special restaurant and you ate way too much.

I’m talking about a five-dollar bill, which has no real nostalgic value, but is lucky because now you can make a stop at Starbucks without feeling guilty about spending five dollars for a coffee.

I’m talking about those things that give us pause, just for a minute, and help us remember why this time of year is so special. For some reason, and I don’t know why, when the weather gets colder, our hearts just seem to get warmer. Perhaps its because when the cold sets in, we know that huddling together is what provides warmth, so we draw into community with one another and in that community, we create memories that last a lifetime.