Like many people, I adore fall. I especially love November. November is the epitome of cozy fall and allows us time to get in the spirit for all of the holidays that come in December.
- the leaves still fall
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At least where I go to school in the Midwest, most leaves fall around the beginning of November. The ground is littered with piles of leaves — “nature’s confetti,” as my dad calls them. There’s something so beautiful about bright leaves against a cloudy November sky. Once all the leaves fall, we enter what Noah Kahan coined as “stick season.” There’s something haunting, truly, about seeing the trees free of leaves until March. It’s a reminder of the cycle of life. Again, if you’re in the Midwest, the first snowfall might happen during this period. This chilly period is a perfect transition from true fall to more wintery weather.
- Soup & sweaters
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There’s something about ending a chilly November day with a bowl of your favorite soup, wrapped up in a chunky knit blanket. Soup gives you this really great internal warmth that I seek out after particularly harsh late-fall weather. Some of my favorites are Panera’s squash soup, lasagna soup for a combo of soup and pasta, and tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. As for sweaters, you can’t go wrong with a vintage one that looks like someone’s grandpa wore it for 35 years straight. For a bit of an upgrade, I like Madewell, Altar’d State, J. Crew and local boutiques.
- Thanksgiving Episodes
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I love a good Thanksgiving episode. Something about watching my favorite characters celebrate a holiday that centers around family warms my heart. So many funny and dramatic situations can happen on this holiday. During November, especially the week before Thanksgiving, I binge all of my favorites. I love “Blair Waldorf Must Pie” from the original Gossip Girl, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” from Gilmore Girls, “Thanksgiving” from Glee, all of the New Girl Thanksgiving episodes, and The Great British Bake-Off for some comforting vibes.
- Making Your List & Checking it twice
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If you’re like me, and gift giving is one of your love languages, the holidays are something you plan for months out. I usually make a slideshow for myself, with pictures and links and organized into categories — can you tell my birth chart is mostly Earth signs? November is also when companies start releasing their holiday deals, so you can shop for family members and have it ready for whatever you celebrate. I normally make a spreadsheet and budget everything out at the beginning of the month, and then shop throughout rather than waiting to buy everything till Black Friday.
- studying, rory gilmore style
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To clarify, I mean before her downfall. With finals coming up, a lot of us are hunkering down and spending more time hitting the books. I’m here to tell you to make it fun! Get a seasonal drink from your favorite coffee shop. Listen to your favorite study playlist. Recently, I’ve been loving the instrumental soundtrack to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Break out some glitter gel pens and your favorite highlighters to annotate. When you take breaks, go for a walk and take in the sights. November can be dreary, I admit, but finding beauty in the little things will help you go into December with a clear mind and happy heart.
- Thanksgiving
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I understand this holiday can bring up a lot of complicated feelings — don’t worry, I’ve got an article about that coming soon. Despite that, there’s something so comforting about watching the parade in your pajamas, drinking coffee with pumpkin spice creamer, and puttering around the kitchen getting ready for the dinner. Everybody celebrates Thanksgiving differently, but no matter what your traditions are, you can gather around the table with whoever is family to you and be grateful.