Though it can often be overlooked, let’s admit that November is one of the best months of the year. Just after Halloween and right before the holiday season, it’s a time to reunite with friends and family, or just to go out shopping and buy way more sweaters than you need. Here are some reasons to love the month of November, even if it isn’t your favorite one.
1. Thanksgiving
There’s nothing more comforting than snuggling up by the fire with warm tea, a comfy blanket, and fuzzy socks awaiting the morning where the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on TV. Whether it’s the aroma of the turkey in the oven, reuniting with family, or maybe even just seeing your dog, Thanksgiving is the perfect time of the year to appreciate the ones you love (even if they do annoy you most of the time). Reunite with high school friends, watch a Thanksgiving football game — the opportunities for fun this fall are endless. The best recipes even come up in the fall around this time of year: sweet potatoes and marshmallows, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and the list goes on. What’s not to love about this time of the year?
2. Black Friday & Cyber Monday Shopping
Get out your inner shopping craze and head to nearby stores for the latest fall trends. Stores across the nation put out huge sales on all the latest technology and fall fashion just the day after Thanksgiving. Starting as early as midnight, be ready to stock up on plenty of items and save lots of money. It’s the perfect time to grab the perfect gift for a Friends-giving, or save on presents in advance for the upcoming holidays. If you can’t go out in time for Black Friday, or just want to avoid the crazy rush of people, don’t worry because Cyber Monday is in the next few days! This is the perfect time to shop your heart out online and grab items that were once way too expensive for your college budget.
3. Fall Foliage
Along with the perfect time of year to have a break from school work and to spend plenty of time with friends from home, this is also one of the last times of the season to get the brightest, and most colorful pictures for your Instagram. Bursts of red, yellow, and orange make any street full of color and beauty, whether it’s in Amherst or not. You’ll be sure to get one of the most scenic views of the year. Bring out the sweaters, collegiettes: the crisp air and beautiful foliage calls for the perfect fall look.
4. Time to Relax
Enjoy time off from the stress of college (whether you’re studying for tests, cramming for mid-terms, or writing countless papers) and take the time to relax this Thanksgiving break. It’s a time to go out shopping, get the newest make-up looks, or even just have time to sit and binge watch your favorite Netflix series (most likely Stranger Things). Take time off to hike, be with friends for a girls’ night out, or apply a clay face-mask and have a night in to uplift your mood before classes start up again.
5. Last-Minute Apple Picking
Head out in early November for a last-minute apple picking trip with friends or family. It’s the best way to wrap up the fall season, and even bake a delicious apple pie for your Friends-giving or even simply a family dinner. If the apples you’re looking for are not still in season, apple cider donuts might even be better to try than an apple pie. They’re definitely one of the most delicious treats to splurge on.