Loving November - 30 Ways to Enjoy the Month

November - the air cools, the leaves thin, and the world softens into a quieter rhythm. It’s a month that gently pulls us inward — toward comfort, reflection, and connection.

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Whether you’re counting blessings or counting down to pie, this is your invitation to fill November with intention, creativity, and warmth. Here are 30 meaningful ways to make the most of this beautiful, gratitude-filled season.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Aesop

1. Begin a 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Start the month by focusing on thankfulness in whatever way speaks to you — daily photos, journal prompts, scrapbook pages, or acts of kindness. Challenge yourself to express gratitude creatively, whether through writing, art, or action. The key is consistency: one moment of thankfulness each day can shift your entire mindset by month’s end.

2. Pumpkin Smash: Rage Room Style - Outdoors Edition

If the post-Halloween pumpkins are piling up and starting to rot, take them outside and turn them into stress relief. Gather your old jack-o'-lanterns and perhaps a bat — then smash away! It’s a good time, good for composting, and it can be a hilarious way to end spooky season with a smile.

3. Begin NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, where writers around the world aim to write 50,000 words of fiction in 30 days. That’s about 1,667 words a day. Even if you don’t “win,” it’s a motivating way to practice discipline, let your imagination run wild, and connect with your creative voice. Write creative essays, a romantasy, or that crime novel you've been thinking about. Although the official organization closed in 2025, carry on!

4. Election Day: Ballot Brunch

November means Election Day — your chance to shape the world you live in. Visit vote.gov to find what’s on your ballot and where to vote. Make it social by hosting a Ballot Brunch: coffee, pancakes, and civic conversation with friends or family before heading to the polls. Remember to keep it civil and stay open-minded!

5. Host a Recipe Swap

Invite friends to bring their favorite Holiday recipe and a sample dish. Everyone leaves with new ideas for Thanksgiving and a refreshed recipe collection. Bonus idea: create a shared Google Doc or printable mini-cookbook afterward so no one loses those new favorites.

6. Donate Food to a Local Pantry

Give back by stocking your local food shelf — not just with essentials. Think cookie kits, pancake mix, or name-brand cereal — the kinds of “fun foods” that light up your day. As someone whose family once relied on a food shelf, I know how meaningful it is to receive something that feels like a treat.

7. Adopt-a-Highway

You can adopt a stretch of roadway through your state’s Department of Transportation website. While it might be too chilly to clean in November, getting signed up now means you’ll be ready once the snow melts. It’s a wonderful way to give back and see the tangible results of your care for your community.

8. Cruise to Nowhere

Pack snacks, a karaoke playlist, and a sense of adventure. Get in the car and drive with no destination — just follow wherever the road leads. It’s a simple, freeing way to break routine and rediscover local beauty along backroads and hidden trails.

9. Begin a Meditation Practice

Try a guided meditation on the Daily Calm YouTube channel or through the Calm app. A few minutes a day can reduce stress, improve sleep, and build presence. November’s slower pace makes it the perfect time to sit still and listen to yourself breathe while you meditate on your blessings.

10. Invest in Cozy Bedding

Winter hibernation is near — make your bed irresistible. Add flannel sheets, a linen duvet, a foam topper, or a chunky knit blanket. Your future self will thank you when the snow falls and bedtime feels like a luxury retreat.

11. Celebrate Veterans Day

Take a veteran out for coffee or dinner and invite them to share their stories. Donate to causes like Fisher House Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project, both of which support veterans and their families. A heartfelt thank-you goes a long way.

12. Friendship Weekend Getaway

Plan a cozy cabin or Airbnb weekend with your closest friends. Cook together, craft, or binge old favorite movies. The point isn’t the itinerary — it’s reconnecting and making new memories before the holidays get busy.

13. Adopt a Family for Christmas

Join the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program to sponsor a family in need. Pool your resources with friends or family to make another family’s holiday bright. The act of giving together creates shared joy that lasts far beyond December.

14. Read or Listen to Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This poetic masterpiece celebrates the harmony between humans and nature. Pair it with An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz for a grounded, educational read that honors Indigenous perspectives during the Thanksgiving season.

15. Plan Homemade Holiday Gifts

Whether it’s candles, jams, photo ornaments, or bath salts, start early. Gather your materials, make a cozy playlist, and enjoy the process. Handmade gifts carry a warmth you can’t buy.

16. Leave Gratitude Affirmations in Library Books

Write small, uplifting notes on cardstock: “You are loved.” “You’re doing your best.” “Don't let the bastards get you down.” Slip them into random library or bookstore books. You’ll never know who finds them — but that’s part of the magic.

17. Movie Night

Pick a cozy lineup: You’ve Got Mail, Dan in Real Life, Little Women, or Gilmore Girls. Add spiced popcorn, caramel apple slices, or cinnamon cocoa for the perfect fall night in.

18. Soak Up Sunshine

With shorter days ahead, every sunbeam counts. Bundle up for a morning walk, eat lunch by a window, or sit outside for fifteen minutes. Your body (and mood) will thank you come December.

19. Invest in a Wintering Hobby

Try something tactile or outdoorsy — knitting, bookbinding, embroidery, cross-country skiing, or ice skating. Hobbies like these make long winters feel purposeful and joyful rather than stagnant and isolating.

20. Craft Something Warm

Make a quilt, crochet a blanket, or knit mittens. There’s something lovely about crafting warmth you can hold. You might even gift your creation to someone who needs a little extra comfort this winter.

21. Bonfire with Creative S’mores & Cider

Try s’mores with peanut butter cups, salted caramel squares, or fruit slices. Pair with hot apple cider infused with orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Cozy blankets, crackling fire — perfection.

22. Anniversary or “Togethering” Bucket List

This is my anniversary, and we’ll celebrate with dinner at a local chophouse and a couple's bucket list creation. I love a good list! Whether you’re married, dating, or spending time with a friend, make your own “togethering list” — the adventures, dates, or projects you want to share.

23. Update Watchlists & Reading Lists

Create a cozy-season lineup so you’re ready for those snowy weekends in. Add new documentaries, audiobooks, or comfort series to rewatch. Try to organize them by mood — “cozy,” “funny,” or “motivational,” so it's easy to take care of yourself if the winter blues get you.

24. Capture Memories Differently

Buy a Polaroid or Canon sticker-printing camera to snap instant memories. These instant prints are perfect for journals, holiday cards, or scrapbooks — and they make every little moment feel special and shareable.

25. At Bake-Off Challenge

Host a mini Great British Baking Show in your kitchen. Choose three challenges — a signature, technical, and showstopper — and let everyone bake! You’ll end up with laughter, sugar highs, and treats to share at Thanksgiving.

26. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

This program delivers meals and companionship to homebound seniors. Check mealsonwheelsamerica.org for local opportunities. The gratitude and connection you’ll feel are unmatched.

27. Celebrate Thanksgiving Mindfully

Start with gratitude, not perfection. Use real candles, play calm music, and invite everyone to share one thing they’re thankful for. Focus on presence, not performance — the laughter, the warmth, and the small shared moments.

28. Black Friday

Time to get on top of your holiday shopping at some local stores and malls. If you want to skip the chaos, head to thrift stores or local secondhand shops instead. You’ll find unique gifts and reduce waste. Make it an adventure — grab coffee, hit a few shops, and finish with lunch out.

29. Leftover Swap Party

Invite friends to bring their post-Thanksgiving leftovers and trade! Everyone gets a fresh meal or dessert to try, and nothing goes to waste. Add a “leftover remix” challenge for fun — who can turn theirs into the most creative dish?

30. Memory Dish Tradition

End the month by cooking a meal that connects you to someone you love — a grandparent’s recipe, a family favorite, or a dish you’ve always wanted to learn. As you cook, write down the story behind it to preserve that memory for future Novembers.

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November isn’t about rushing to the holidays — it’s about slowing down long enough to feel grateful for the life you already have. As the days grow shorter, let these simple joys and small acts of kindness keep your spirit bright. Here’s to nourishing yourself, connecting deeply, and noticing the beauty in every day this season.

Gobble gobble!