Why do people experience a sense of loss at summer's end?

People feel sad when summer ends because it’s like saying goodbye to their favorite time of year.

Summer is like a big, fun party that happens outside, you get to play in the sun, eat ice cream, and maybe even go to the park or the beach. It feels special because it's warm and bright, and everything seems more exciting.

When summer ends, it’s like your favorite toy gets put away. You might not see it again for a while, that's how it feels when school starts, or the days get shorter and cooler. You miss the sunshine and the laughter, just like you miss playing with your best friend when they go on vacation.

But even though summer ends, it’s not gone for good. It’s like waiting for a special surprise, maybe next year, you’ll get to play outside again, eat more ice cream, and enjoy all the fun that summer brings.