“I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
I can’t think of a better day to celebrate National Hobbit Day than on the first day of Fall! As I’m writing this, the morning is nearly over, but the autumnal vibes today have been superb: I woke up to rolling thunder and it’s still raining, colored leaves are blistering around in the wind, I’m dressed warmly with a Chai in my hand, and my fall playlist is on shuffle, the voices of Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi ringing in my favorite time of year. If there ever was a day I felt like a Hobbit, it’d most certainly be Sept. 22, 2022.
But what is National Hobbit day anyway and why am I so excited? It’s really just a day for Tolkien fans to geek out. I think, primarily, I’m so excited because of what I’ve just described to you above – fall is officially here, and along with it, everything that is comfortable. Anyone who knows me is aware I much prefer fall to summer. As someone called me this morning, I’m simply put “one of those pumpkin girls.”
I’m also filled with a sense of warmth because today is an excuse to reflect on and celebrate the works of Tolkien. It's not like I don’t do that almost every other day. By now, you might’ve noticed a pattern in my blog content; this is the third one dedicated to dear old Middle Earth. I promise other content will come soon, but how could I not express my love for his creations on today of all days? So, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate Hobbit Day (or simply looking for an excuse to have a day of lavishness), here’s a few suggestions.
Stuff yourself with seven meals. Hobbits are notorious for overindulging when it comes
to food, and honestly, can we really blame them? In what might be an example of Tolkien’s tendency to over-describe, but what also works as a tactic that adds immeasurable depth to these creatures, all seven meals are outlined as following:
Breakfast - 7am
Second Breakfast - 9am
Elevenses - 11am
Luncheon - 1pm
Afternoon Tea - 3pm
Dinner - 6pm
Supper - 9pm
Now, you might combust if you do all this, but the idea of treating yourself still stands. My chocolate croissant from this morning would agree!
Go for a walk. I know I just said it’s raining and your stomach might protest after seven meals, but nothing screams 'Hobbit Day' like the Shire. Since I’m guessing the majority of us don’t live in Middle Earth (aka New Zealand), taking the time to spend time with nature is a great compromise. And, if you’re not in the walking mood, you can always stare out the window at the trees. Afterall, Tolkien appreciated the magical qualities of trees!
Take a nap/Go to bed early. I don’t necessarily think there’s any point in the book where Hobbits are explicitly stated to nap or sleep all the time, but I think it fits with their species perfectly. They’re homebodies who enjoy relaxation. Maybe I’m just overtired and already looking forward to a warm bed tonight, but if you’re looking for an excuse to catch up on sleep today, here’s your reason why.
Read a good book. Curl up and marathon those chapters! Hobbits might be disinclined to partake in adventures, but I have a feeling they enjoy a good story every now and then. Put on your fuzzy socks, light a candle, grab one of your seven meals, and spend that alone time doing what you love. If it’s not reading (odd since you’re reading my blog about reading) or you’re just too tired to stare at words, watch that show you’re episodes behind on, or simply take time to reflect on your day so far.
The list could go on and on, but I think we’ll stop it there. If you haven’t realized by now, Hobbits are notoriously creatures of comfort. Fall is the season of comfort, so I encourage you to kick-off this amazing season on the best day possible doing what we all need to do once in a while – relaxing and appreciating the world around us!
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