When fall comes around - like it does every year - the month of November is often overshadowed by September and October. September is the month that the festivities always begin, and October being the big one, the double-whammy, the big kahuna when it comes to all things Autumn. When October ends, though, many have a sense of either exhaustion or lack of fall spirit as November slowly creeps onto the scene, silent, with its first chilly breezes signifying the almost-start of winter.
While September and October are well-deserving of the attention, especially when they hold such recognition for being leaf-peeping seasons, November has so much to offer that many often forget about. While it is the first hint that winter is on the way, this transitory month is perfect for many things, including staycations.
It's the start of truly cozy, sweater, and fireplace-worthy weather. It's the start of hearty soups and stews and decadent, warm desserts. And it's also a month full of celebrating when it comes to Thanks-and-Friendsgiving! With fall being just around the corner, it's time to remind ourselves about all the good things to follow in October and to find out why November is such a worthy staycation month.
It's Officially The Start Of Festive Food Season
November signifies so many things for foodies: Cookie recipes, an abundance of pies, and cozy, warm-from-the-inside-out dinners. The cornucopia isn't a symbol of November for no reason and it's here that we find the end of season crops, the produce that hung on until the first frost, and the heart root veggies that would be delicious blended into a soup or roasted in the oven. It's also the time when we can use all of the apples leftover from previous weeks to make all the apple recipes in preparation for the biggest food holiday of the year.
Thanksgiving is an exciting time for those who love to cook and while it might look just a little different this year, that's no excuse to avoid the excitement of cooking (or watching football, for some) all day. Simply make the portions smaller! Use turkey parts rather than a whole turkey, cook sides for two, or make individual desserts.
It's A Sign Of Winter, But It's Not Actually Winter Yet
The first official day of winter, believe it or not, doesn't actually start until the end of December and lasts until March. Therefore, the entire month of November (and part of December) are official 'autumn' months. Thus, fall activities should be carried on straight through until December!
Each year it seems that we celebrate the seasons earlier and earlier, but this year, why not spend some extra time in autumn? The end of Thanksgiving doesn't signify the start of Christmas right away, and this is the time we should all be taking to sit back, relax, enjoy brisk afternoon walks while we still have daylight, and take in all that the fall season has to offer... without rushing to string Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving.
While October might be time for Halloween decorations, try transitioning from Halloween to full-on autumn afterward. For the entire month of November, make it a challenge to keep autumn decorations up and fall-scented candles burning for as long as possible. It'll give a sense of patience and calm and reduce the November rush to the holiday season, a welcome transition period, and a post-Thanksgiving break everyone should appreciate.
Speaking Of Which, Try A Staycation
This is also a great time to book a 'staycation.' Since travel does look different this year, the safest place to be is in your own home. Rather than book travel at the end of the season when it's cold and chilly, try spending money in a different way: By putting it into making your home the perfect getaway. With a few simple touches, any space can be turned into a makeshift B&B or made to feel like a luxe hotel. With some fancy spa splurges, gourmet meals (takeout is a fun option and a great way to support local businesses!), and some cozy additives like an electric fireplace, fun throw blankets, autumn-themed pillows, and a to-do list that consists of absolutely nothing, it'll feel just as relaxing.
Get all the fixings for s' mores, arrange an espresso bar for mornings (that should be slept-in), and plan breakfast or brunch ahead of time so that it's ready when the time comes to lounge around in comfy PJs. Set up a line of your favorite movies or explore the lesser-known things around town, even take a day-trip drive to see the sights just outside your front door. Life, and November, are better when they're always close to home.