November Bucket List
November and Thanksgiving often times get overlooked and people tend to go straight from Halloween to Christmas. Heck, I think this year Christmas even started popping up in stores and on social media before Halloween! I sometimes think things just get so rushed and everyone is trying to get ahead and are focused on what’s the next best thing, that we forget to slow down and be present in the moment. November is also my birthday month, so I am slightly biased towards it, but I want to spend the month practicing gratitude, enjoying my community, socializing with friends and family, and giving back. We all have so much to be thankful for, so really take some time this month to focus on what you and your family can do to give back to your community.
Happy November!
Host Friendsgiving
After the year we had last year, I think it’s safe to say we are all ready to get out and about for the holidays. Socializing with friends and family is so crucial for our well beings, so make the most of it this year! Host a friendsgiving and invite all your friends over. Try it potluck style and have everyone bring something! And don’t forget about the drinks!
Turkey on the Table
I have talked about Turkey on the Table several times before so naturally had to add it to the November Bucket List. Get the family involved by writing down the things you are thankful for on the paper feathers and add them to the turkey each day. This kit comes with the turkey, feathers, a marker, and a book.
Bonus: Turkey on the Table partners with Feeding America to provide meals for those in need.
Try a new cocktail
The Cranberry Margarita, Holiday Cosmopolitan, and French 75 with a rosemary sprig are on my list. For your Friendsgiving or family Thanksgiving, try a big bowl of Spicy Bourbon Citrus Punch.
Volunteer
One of the best ways to give back to your local community while setting an example for the younger generations is to volunteer. Check your local newspaper or even Google for opportunities. A lot of companies partner with organizations that allow you to bring your family along to volunteer as well, so make sure you are aware of all the opportunities. And explain to your family why you are volunteering – it’s not just to do it, but to truly give back and help those less fortunate.
Write a Thank You Letter
It’s sounds so simple, but I sometimes feel like writing letters is a lost art. If you want to take a more modern approach, try sending a thank you e-mail. Whether it is someone at work who helped you out or a friend who did something nice for you, let them know. I compose the best thank you letters in my head when laying in bed trying to fall asleep, but oftentimes miss the boat when it comes to actually getting them down on paper.
Buy a Chunky Sweater
There is something about a big ol’ chunky sweater that makes you just want to curl up and get cozy. They also might help hide the excess amount of food you consume at your Friendsgiving Party 🙂
Make S’mores
At the ranch, in the firepit in the backyard, or in the oven, these are a childhood fave that all kids will enjoy as a special post dinner treat! Do this as a fun surprise for your kids one night after dinner as a family activity! Take it a step further, because isn’t that what we do in the Insta world, and set up a S’mores Station or Charcuterie! Here are four ways to make s’mores at home.
Don’t have kids? No biggie, these are 100% for the adults, too, and pair quite nicely with Bailey’s or spiked hot chocolate. Also, here is a recipe for a S’mores martini!
Watch a Thanksgiving Day Parade
I just love watching the gang from The Today Show emcee the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And I love watching all the floats, bands, performers, the Rockettes, cheerleaders and more perform. It makes you wonder how much time and energy are put into creating the floats, the science behind keeping them floating safely in the air, the choreography put into all of the routines, and the amount of people involved to block off the parade route in NYC. It’s truly an incredible effort by all! There is something so special in watching the parade, like the official kick off of the holiday season.
Join or Volunteer at a Turkey Trot
The meme was the first thing I thought of 🙂 Did you know that races like these are actually fundraisers? In fact, the Houston Turkey Trot is hosted by Barker Ripley. Barker Ripley helps connect low income families and individuals with opportunities so they can work towards achieving a better life. I did a quick google search, and most larger cities have some sort of 5k/10k Turkey Trot on the morning of Thanksgiving.
Click here to register for the Houston Turkey Trot.
Read a New Book > Our Country Friends
It’s one of the first books that I know of that is actually about the pandemic. I’ve read a lot that were finished in 2020 and have notes from the author explaining the timing, including Karin Slaughter’s author’s note at the end of False Witness. While she did weave in details like wearing a mask, characters talking about Covid, and just the general effect it had on Atlanta Court System, the main theme of the book wasn’t about Covid. Our Country Friends, by Gary Shteyngart is directly about Covid, a group of friends moving out to the country to ride out the pandemic, and all that happens once they get there. It hits shelves tomorrow.
“At turns bitingly funny and unbearably sad, it’s among the first major works of literary fiction to wrestle with the psychological, sociological and cultural impact of the pandemic, and marks a new, more reflective register for Shteyngart.”–The New York Times
That’s all, folks! If you didn’t get a chance to check out The October Bucket List, it has a lot of great family oriented activities as well.
Cheers – MP
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