In Defense of November
Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 06:45AM 
I've spent about 15 minutes visiting blogs this morning and have already discerned a theme. November--what a drag.
Hmmm. Really? I like November.
In November in the Midwest we usually see our first "measurable snowfall." Who doesn't love the first snowfall of the season?
In November at our house, we start thinking about hot chocolate and hot tea and, truth be told, scotch on the rocks.
In November, those who are fortunate enough to have a woodburning fireplace will cozy down together in front of roaring fires for the first time of the year. (Can you tell I miss having a fireplace in this house?)
In November, we celebrate Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year. What is more satisfying than cooking a lovely, delicious turkey dinner and serving it on your best china with your best tablecloths and sitting down to celebrate the blessings of the past year with your family?
In November, the whole month is filled with an awareness of God's lovingkindness and His mercies.
In November, the year is starting to feel as though it is drawing to an end and there is still time before the rush of Christmas shopping and decorating and partying to deliberately take the time to purpose to keep Christ central during all the "holiday" fun. (If you don't do that in November, it's hard to do it once you get on the roller coaster of December).
In November, the evening creeps into the house early again and the lamps are lit when husbands are welcomed home at the end of the day. What is more welcoming that a toasty warm home with warm light spilling through the windows as you pull into the driveway?
In November, the mornings are dark and quiet. The yardwork is done. The storm windows are up and defending the house from outdoor sounds. Peace and quiet.
In November, home schoolers are in that pleasant rut of the school-a-day world. Routines are established. Projects are well on the way.
In November. . .what do you like about November?
Reader Comments (8)
Well, it won't snow where I live, but the early evenings, the crispness of the air, the toastiness of the home, all of those things I love about November, too. I've never had a scotch...am I missing out? We usually brew some cider and/or cocoa. I've already got my turkey supplies ready for Thanksgiving! I'm especially looking forward to fun with our families this season.
Scotch? Missing out? Nah. Not when you have cider and cocoa! I love the toastiness of our home--and standing in front of the toaster waiting for it to pop while the register warms my toes!
November starts with a birthday of a good friend. I LOVE all of November. I get an extra hour of sleep this weekend, in theory. I like cooler days and nights while we stay cozy inside with the woodstove. I like the windup of the holiday season and the wind-down of the year. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Warm apple crisp. We start to receive the annual Christmas Cards of friends and family with pictures and recaps. What's not to love!!
I like the phrase "the windup of hte holiday season and the wind-down of the year. I love the Great Pumpkin, too! And toasted pumpkin seeds from our Halloween pumpkins.
I forgot to mention that I can finally start adding layers of clothing and feel that my tummy roll is just insulation - that rocks! Yay November!
Oh! Good one, Lisa! I like to wear hoodies. They really cover a lot!
Oh dear. I like PARTS of November - the first serious snow! shopping for presents! warm drinks in the evening curled up on the couch with my husband! - so I guess I should just enjoy November's brisk charms. Thanksgiving is long over here, sadly.
I hate, hate, hate to shop. Want to come do mine?
Kim,
I wrote this little poem three years ago on Nov. 2nd:
Nothing much, but I thought you might like it. :)I also love November -- October, as well, by the way. And I, too, miss a fireplace. It's enlightening to our Ukrainian friends to share a day where we simply stop work and thank God for His bounty, His care, His sovereignty in our lives. I love the crispness in the air -- heavy sweaters may be all that are needed during the day, but coats are recommended in the late afternoon as the sun drifts out of sight. LONG dark days begin in November and we tend to spend more time inside TOGETHER! Puzzles, board games, good books, CONVERSATION! I could go on and on...it's a beautiful time of the year!
I'm with you! I love November. You can Christmas shop if you want to, but there's no pressure. I LOVE Thanksgiving and fall weather (and--let me clarify--I am in Texas so we are not talking about the same kind of weather) My husband loves Thanksgiving b/c it's one of the only holidays where you don't have to buy presents for anyone.
Let's see...it's my daughter's birthday, the mosquitoes are mostly gone, you don't sweat getting dressed in the morning, it gets dark earlier so the kids can't stay out playing even if they want to, and I can cook soup and stew and chili.
I love November too!
"Who doesn't love the first snowfall of the season?"
Ummm...I guess that would be me!! I am not a cold-weather person, as you well know, so I am not as excited as you are about this time of year. I feel better when the weather is warm.