It's hard to believe November is already here. This is a month for families to give gratitude, celebrate different cultures and histories, vote ... and turn back the clocks.
Here are some holidays and events your family can look forward to in November.
November is Native American Heritage Month
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Kids are fascinated about Native Americans.
Learn 5 FUN WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN CELEBRATE NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
November is National Adoption Month
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National Adoption Month is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau and was created to increase national awareness of adoption issues, especially the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system. Data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System show only 5 percent of all children adopted in 2019 were 15-18 years old and there are over 122,000 children and youth waiting to be adopted who are at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections.
If you've ever considered adoption, take some time this November to explore the possibility more in-depth for your family. Research the adoption process in your area, and consider whether this loving act might be the right choice for your family's future.
Read: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known About the Adoption Process
November 1: Diwali
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a joyful celebration marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families gather to share sweets, exchange gifts, and light oil lamps called diyas to invite prosperity into their homes. Though Diwali is celebrated over five days, the main festivities take place on the third day, which falls on Friday, November 1, 2024. It’s a perfect opportunity to share the warmth of this cultural tradition with your family by enjoying festive foods and lighting up your home with the glow of candles and diyas
Read how one Macaroni Kid Publisher's family celebrates with their 2 favorite recipes HERE
November 1 and 2: Día de los Muertos
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This vibrant Mexican holiday celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Dive into the colorful and meaningful traditions of Día de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd. Learn about the ofrendas (altars), sugar skulls, and marigolds that fill this festive celebration.
Watch the moving Disney Pixar film "Coco" with your kiddos to help them understand the meaning behind this holiday.
See 10 WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN CELEBRATE THE DAY OF THE DEAD.
November 2: Cookie Monster's Birthday!
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It's the big blue guy's birthday! He will be 54 years old this year! Do you think he wants a Birthday Cake? Absolutely not! He celebrates with cookies, of course! ME WANT COOKIE!
Want a delicious way to get rid of that leftover Halloween candy?
Take advantage of this day to MAKE THESE HALLOWEEN CANDY COOKIES!
10 Fun Facts you may not know about Cookie Monster:
1. Cookie Monster is left-handed! Sesame Street says the puppeteers use their right hands for the mouths.
2. Cookie Monster has five fingers on each hand (probably to eat more cookies). All the others only have four.
3. It takes two puppeteers to manipulate Cookie Monster.
4. Cookie Monster’s bio says he represents children with various speech abilities.
5. Cookie Monster’s first name is Sid.
6. Cookie Monster loves Chocolate Chip Cookies (we don’t blame him).
7. If you ask Siri the question: What is zero divided by zero? She includes Cookie Monster in her answer.
Siri answers, “Imagine that you have zero cookies and you split them evenly among zero friends. How many cookies does each person get? See? It doesn’t make sense. And Cookie Monster is sad that there are no cookies, and you are sad that you have no friends.”
8. Instead of saying cheese for photos Cookie Monster says “Cookie.”
9. And of course Cookie Monster has his own song!
10. Cookie Monster loves to cook!
November 3: The End of Daylight Saving Time (Fall Back)
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Before kids, the end of daylight saving time was probably a welcome date — after all, it meant an extra hour of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! But post-kids? That extra hour can now mean cranky kids and long days of disrupted naps and bedtimes. Read our TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD ADJUST TO THE NEW TIME.
November 5: Election Day
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We know we don't have to tell you how important it is to vote. Or how vital it is to teach your kids the importance of exercising their right to vote. Take them with you to the voting booth so they can see democracy in action. Local elections matter!
The tradition of November elections began in the early 1800s since the month fell in the window between harvest season and inclement weather. Most people had to travel many miles, some more than a day, to vote. Nevertheless, voter turnout topped 80%.
So unless you're harvesting late, or caught in a blizzard ... GO VOTE!
November 11: Veterans Day
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Celebrate a veteran in your life by having your kids write a letter, draw a picture of thanks, or interview them about their experiences. Need to connect to a veteran? Operation Gratitude collects and distributes letters to veterans, as well as deployed troops, new recruits, and first responders. They even have a guide to letter writing to help you and your kids get started.
For an inspiring and unforgettable experience, attend Perimeter School's 30th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 6th at 9:30AM.
November 19: National Play Monopoly Day
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Don't go straight to Jail. Instead, dust off this old classic (did you know this game has been around since 1883?) and settle in for an epic family game night!
November 28: Thanksgiving
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Gather together with friends and family to celebrate and give thanks for all our many blessings.
Make a one-of-a-kind Gratitude Tree for your Thanksgiving Table.
Make a Gratitude Tablecloth- a meaningful family tradition.
November 30: Small Business Saturday
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We love supporting local businesses all year long — and hope you do too! Small Business Saturday is a chance for you to support local businesses while doing your holiday shopping.
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