Pumpkins are native to North America and they are really for harvesting about this time of year, so they really have become a season favourite. I know a lot of people who like pumpkin in everything (coffee, ice cream, neither of which deserve pumpkin in them); I personally prefer simple baking of pastries and soup. Very nummy. Pumpkin pie is definitely my favourite pie.
You're absolutely right about the rain though. As soon as the leaves have fallen and it starts raining the season loses some of it's glamour, but hopefully by then the snow isn't too far behind. I love winter too.