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November tends to be an easily forgotten time of year. It gets lost in the mix of October new-fall Halloween excitement and all-things-Christmas December.
Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) is beautiful time for reflection, gratitude, togetherness, and slowing down, but sadly, it gets overshadowed by Black Friday Sales and the frenzy of consumerism.
There are many things I like to do during the month of November that make it feel more special than just a sandwich month. I’d like to share some of the practices I enjoy, and maybe there’s a thing or two on my list that will make November feel special for you too.
How I’m Leaning Into November
Listening to As The Season Turns podcast November episode to understand this month’s ancient rituals and seasonal happenings. Each monthly episiode is like unwrapping a gift of knowledge, and the host has a lovely soothing voice. The focus for 2022 was all about the inner workings of the beehive and the oak tree, and 2023 focuses on the pond life and the herbarium.
Expressing gratitude. This month I’m keeping a daily list of three things that I am grateful for each day in my journal. I dig deep and try to get specific beyond the usual “I’m thankful for my family” sentiment. I focus on little things like having a warm bed to sleep in at night or the big things like receiving good health test results. Get personal and specific with it.
Our whole family also particiaptes in a gratitude practice with the Turkey on the Table each year. We add notes to the feathers and keep them displayed on our counter to reflect on our blessings throughout the month.
Winterizing the garden. The weather is starting to turn and the winter chill is starting to show its face. Mid-fall is when I like to take time to winterize my edible garden. I pull out annuals, mix compost into my beds, and plant garlic. This is also a good time to compost the pumpkins we displayed on our front porch in October.
Sky gazing. November offers the most gorgeous sunsets with vibrant oranges, pinks and purples. It’s absoultely breathtaking. In the night sky, Jupiter is also very prominent like a giant star adjacent to the moon. It’s fun to use the Sky View app to identify planets, constellations and stars. And of course, there’s mother moon waxing and waning with the full moon falling on November 27.
Candlelight. With daylight savings time ending and the sun setting earlier, I soak in as much light as possible. The darkness calls for candlelight. There’s nothing more hygge.
Playing mood music. I’m really feeling this Jazz in the Background playlist as my November soundtrack. It’s chill, it’s smooth, and it’s heart-warming. I play it in the background as I’m doing chores around the house or taking a drive.
Boosting my skincare routine. With the temps shifting and humidity dropping, I’m enhancing my face routine with a vitamin c serum and extra moisture. For my body, I enjoy dry brushing and applying a nourishing body oil.
Planning our Thanksgiving meal. Our family hosts Thanksgiving every year, and planning the elements of our meal is something we always look forward to. We tend to stay classic with the food: turkey, stuffing, cranberry, sweet potatoes, greens, dinner rolls, and ALL the desserts. But we find ways to make the experience extra special with homemade place cards, self-curated charceuterrie boards, family prayer, meaningful bottles of wine, and day before prep-day traditions. It’s work to host a holiday, but we try to make it magical.
Finding ways to give. Food drives, donating Thanksgiving turkeys, warm weather gear, and packing meals. Give in whatever way feels good. I especially love November for the absence of gift exchange expectations. When we give from the heart instead of obligation, it’s a much more fulfilling experience.
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- Diana xo
Candlelight, jazz and early sunsets 😍 sounds like the best combination to soak in November.
Thank you for the beautiful ideas.