November To Do List
Time to make that November To-Do List! It’s hard to believe that as soon as Halloween wraps up, we’re already shifting gears into Thanksgiving and Christmas mode. The year seems to fly faster from here on out!
Now, I’m not saying every one of these things needs to be done (or that I’ll get to them all myself))) — but they’re great reminders and little nudges for the season ahead.
🍂 Things to Do in November
Take down the Halloween decorations.
Once the trick-or-treaters have come and gone, it’s time to pack away the spooky stuff and make room for all things cozy and thankful. And while you’re at it, go ahead and give away any leftover candy — out of sight, out of mind… and out of my mouth!
Save those pumpkin stems!
Before you toss out the tired pumpkins, take a minute to twist off the stems. Let them dry and tuck them away for next year — they make perfect toppers for fabric pumpkins and fall crafts.
🥧 Food
Start thinking about those special recipes you want to make for Thanksgiving or Christmas and begin gathering ingredients a little at a time. It’s amazing how quickly spices and baking supplies can add up — and run out! Stocking up early saves time (and stress) later, especially since you never know what might be in short supply once the holiday rush hits.
🎄 Christmas Shopping & Events
Start your Christmas shopping early and make a list — not just of what you’ve bought, but also where you’ve hidden it! We’ve all “found” those gifts months (or even years) later. One year, I discovered a set of baby photo albums labeled “For Mom” and “For Dad” that I’d meant to give Carrie and David when their first baby arrived. By the time I found them, they were already two kids in and another on the way!
Go ahead and pencil in dinner dates and family get-togethers now, too. If you’d like to host, speak up early before everyone’s calendar fills up. Families with kids get pulled in a dozen directions once December rolls around.
🧹 Clean & Organize
Now’s the perfect time to straighten up the pantry and food cabinets. Go ahead and check those expiration dates — it’s amazing what hides behind the flour and canned goods. Nothing’s worse than getting ready to make a recipe, knowing you just saw that spice last week, only to find it expired two years ago. (You know it happens!)
🗓️ Plan Ahead
Start looking for a new desk calendar. I’ll admit it — I’m a bit of a calendar fanatic. Yes, I use my phone, but there’s just something about a good old-fashioned spiral-bound calendar that lies flat on my desk. I jot down notes, dates, reminders… everything! Finding the perfect one isn’t always easy — and when you do, you’d better grab it before they’re gone.
💰 Finances
If you’re a fellow baby boomer, this one’s for us — don’t forget about your Required Minimum Distribution! If you’re at that stage where Uncle Sam insists you take it, make sure it’s handled before year’s end (unless you already have it set up automatically). It’s one of those things that can slip right by, especially once the holidays hit full swing. A quick check now saves a headache later.
🌿 Yard Work
No to-do list would be complete without yard work… but let’s just not talk about that today. We’ll keep hoping someone else handles it for us — or that a good strong wind takes care of the leaves first!
☕ Personal
Take time to slow down and enjoy November. Go for a drive and soak in the beauty of the changing leaves — it’s one of life’s simple pleasures. Spend a day shopping in a small town and supporting local businesses; you’ll find the best surprises in those little shops.
Pull out your favorite sweaters — it’s officially sweater weather! Give them a good airing or toss them in the dryer on air-fluff to freshen them up.
And finally, set up a cozy hot chocolate or coffee bar stocked with all the extras. I’m not a pumpkin spice person myself, but I know plenty of friends who are)))
🦃 Traditions
Carry on a favorite Thanksgiving tradition — or maybe start a new one! Be open to change. Just because you’ve “always” done something a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t shake it up a little. Try a new recipe, swap out a side dish, or even simplify the meal altogether. And if no one asks for your famous cranberry relish this year, don’t take it personally))) Sometimes change makes room for new favorites.
🍁 More to Come
I’m sure there are plenty more things to do and think about as the weeks roll by — they’ll come to mind about five minutes after I finish this post))) Like working on your Christmas card list… see, there’s another one already!
For now, just enjoy the change of seasons. Before we know it, we’ll be complaining about freezing mornings and counting the days until spring.
And don’t forget to turn back your clocks this weekend — Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2!
