Something happens to me when the calendar switches from October 31 to November 1.
I feel a little down, like the excitement is all over. The to-dos for the holidays start stacking up. The days seem dreary, like they’re just holding a place between now and the next big event.
It’s as though I just want to skip November, at least up until Thanksgiving. (Sorry to all the November babies out there.) Anyone else relate??
Don’t Skip November
This year I’m noticing it sooner, and trying to turn it around. What a waste, to lose so many days just wanting it to go by faster! For a month with a holiday celebrating gratitude, I want to be more focused on that and not miss out on right now.
Also, hello, fall just got here! How long did I wish for it to arrive, and now I want to head straight to winter. That’s like a kid on her birthday who opens all her presents and then the next day is bored with them. (Not that I ever did that.)
November doesn’t have to be dreary! Those who want Christmas all year round might disagree with me, but I think November can be just as much a celebration as any other month.
How to Slow It Down
Do all the fall things.
A lot of fall traditions are associated with Halloween. But there’s still time for bonfires, apple and pumpkin picking, baked goods and comfort food. You can still go to a football game, hike, jump in a pile of leaves, visit a farm and go through a corn maze. I have a whole list of things you can do right here.
Take gratitude a step further.
Taking time to be thankful every day is huge, and so very fitting for November in particular. Why not focus your efforts even more? Write thank you notes to friends just for being there for you, do some random acts of kindness, volunteer, or find another way to express your thanks. (Not feeling grateful? See 5 Gratitude Killers here!)
Make up your own Thanksgiving-season traditions.
One of the things I love about the holidays is the traditions that surround them. Most of Thanksgiving traditions seem to fall on the day. (We love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and obviously that huge delicious dinner, too.) But Christmas traditions seem to last all month – White Elephant exchanges, Ugly Sweater parties, decorating, advent calendars, Hallmark movies.
Why can’t Thanksgiving have vacations throughout the month? Pick out some Thanksgiving-themed movies. (Dan in Real Life, though not about Thanksgiving specifically, is one of my favorites this time of year.) Host a friendsgiving dinner celebration. Give Thanksgiving cards. Do something to chronicle the things you’re thankful for, like writing those things on a pumpkin, wreath, or turkey feathers.
Set new habits now.
People usually set goals in January. But who says you can’t start today? I know for me, it can be easy to set resolutions I have never done with all the hype of New Year’s around. Then New Year’s passes, and my motivation dwindles.
On the flip side, imagine how motivating it will be to start the year continuing habits you’ve already started? With results you can already see? It will pump up your new year and set it up for even greater success if you focus on your fitness/career/relational/spiritual/personal goals now.
Now You
What will you do to make it a November worth remembering?
I love November (partially because I’m a November baby!) but also it’s a mix of relaxation post-Halloween and transitioning into the anticipation for Christmas. We already did Halloween up here in Canada!
Yes! It’s a transition time not to be missed for sure. And happy birthday, Heather!! 🙂
Love everything about this, Jenn! November is DA BESTTTT so let’s not skip gratitude! Let’s keep it fall and be grateful and not trash those perfectly good pumpkins yet! haha
My pumpkins are still hanging on, too! Ha ha!