The summer heat is gladly forgotten as chilly breezes encircle our shoulders like the embrace of friends we have missed. Brilliant sunsets streak across the sky and paint glorious backdrops for golden maples and scarlet oaks. It is time to dig into crisp apples, pull out folded sweaters and enjoy the beautiful glow of a new November dancing onto our calendars.
The Swing Season
The first day of November signals a swing into fall that blends relaxed days with giddy anticipation. The yard appreciates a lazy raking, but stuffing bags full of leaves conjures up visions of plump turkeys and hungry relatives.
Cool afternoons are perfect for reading a favorite book outside, but we stare past the pages and begin to wonder, “Is it too early to start our Christmas shopping? Is it too late?”
Of course, it is never either one but that holiday buzz is undeniable no matter what we do with our downtime. Secretly, we surrender with delight to all the seasonal routines and holiday insanity that make November so memorable.
Beyond the Baster
If Benjamin Franklin had had his way, the gobbler would be our national bird but we would probably still ignore its bounty on November 2, Deviled Egg Day.
This month is stuffed with dates of remembrance that acknowledge everything from the instigation of Guy Fawkes to the determination of Sadie Hawkins.
All 30 days soar in heavenly observance of Aviation Month and we salute the Red Planet on the 28th. Roy Rogers and Tina Turner sound like strange bedfellows but they share a birthday on the 5th.
Sure, the turkeys rule our kitchens but our appetite for celebrating anything reaches a wonderful frenzy in November.
Lists, Lights and Love
It is easy to roll our eyes at the crass commercialism of Cyber Monday. However, it is impossible to pass up deals as we slash our lists down to size and break the Internet with fingers racing across keyboards.
We swear to get all this done early next year, but that resolution never last more than 15 seconds. We are off and running and we enjoy every minute of the holiday shopping dash. Still, we stop in our tracks when the lights come on.
The sudden wonder of Christmas illumination makes our hearts stand still for just a bit, while we pause to bask in the love that November always promises, and it never fails to deliver.
Any other month like this would wear us out. We begin by honoring over 10,000 departed souls on All Saints’ Day. We attempt to stay organized, turkeys lose their heads and retailers lick their chops.
Christmas is close enough to hear bells ringing and carolers singing. It is no wonder we set aside the last day of November for Stay at Home Because You Are Well Day. We deserve it, and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year.