At long last, it's my favorite time of year. Hoodies are emerging from winter wardrobes, fuzzy blankets have been broken out, bonfires are frequent, and the colors are mesmerizing. November is among us, and I couldn't be happier. Not only is this my favorite weather, but we're also in my favorite month. I feel like everyone has a soft spot in their heart for November, maybe because it's halfway through the holidays. For me, November is a special time, and I'd really like to share why this month means so much to me, hence why I'm writing this article.
1. My birthday
Okay, this would make any month someone's favorite, but hear me out here. My birthday is on the 13th, and this year is a big one; I turn 18. I'm finally crossing the gap between adolescence and adulthood and although I'm terrified, I'm also really excited. I also love where my birthday falls (get it? The season?) because it's not too hot or too cold. My birthday is on the 13th, and sometimes it falls on a Friday, which is the actual day that I was born, so that's kind of cool to say. This year is going to be great because it lands on a Sunday, so I won't have to spend any more of my birthdays in high school. Also, I have the same birthday as Jimmy Kimmel, so that's exciting.
2. Thanksgiving
This is a given really, but I still love Thanksgiving. Now that I have a job, I don't get to spend as much time as I'd like to with my family, especially when I leave for college this summer. Thanksgiving is one of the only days throughout the year that my entire family, aunts and uncles and cousins and all, can get together to share our tales of adventure and to appreciate each other's company. Don't get me wrong, my family is really close and we do spend a lot of time together, but usually there's about one or two of us missing. I'm thankful that Thanksgiving can bring my family together again.
3. Autumn
Although this could apply to September and October as well, autumn in November has a sort of magical feeling about it. The colors are in their prime and they just give me the warm fuzzies in my stomach. The smell is crisp and makes me actually want to go outside, which is saying a lot for an introvert like myself. It's the perfect weather where it's not too cold to need seven and half jackets and it's not too hot where you literally feel like you're about to melt into a giant puddle. Plus, beanies start coming into play around this time, and beanies are my favorite clothing accessories in the world.
4. Leaf Piles
This deserves a category of its own. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I have gathering leaves into giant piles and then destroying them by jumping into them. There's something satisfying about the the crackling of the leaves and the feeling of them on your face as you just lie there. I used to gather up all of the leaves I could at my grandma's house - considering she lives next to some woods - and heave them by the kiddy pool full onto her tramp-o-line and then bounce until they were all gone and do it all over again. The fun with leaves never end and I will never be too old to jump into a pile if I see one.
5. Football
6. Movie Marathons
With the thermometer dropping by the day as fast as the year is winding down, I find myself spending all of my time indoors by the time the middle of November rolls around. With that being said, I always find myself either on my couch or lying on my bed wrapped in one of two blankets watching whatever I feel like watching, which is more often than not Disney movies. My dog is usually by my side, usually hogging all of my blankets, and the lights are dimmed as I just watch and watch until it's dark outside. I have no shame; I'm a Disney addict and I'm not afraid to admit it.
7. Snow
It doesn't always snow in November, but when it does, I love it. And honestly, I really don't like snow or winter, but there's something about the first snowfall of the year. I live in a snow belt and the once-snowiest city in America, as I mentioned in a variety of my articles, so I've grown quite sick of snow and the coldness that comes with it. I just like all of the hype that comes from seeing those flakes for the first time during the school year, especially when it happens during the school day. The only time I didn't like the snow in November was on my sixteenth birthday. It snowed for the first time that school year that day, and silly ol' me dressed up for my birthday, complete with high heeled boots and a skirt
8. No Shave November
Okay, so I never really follow this religiously just because it's my birth month and I like to look good on that day, but this idea is a nice concept. The whole point is to embrace our hair, considering that a lot of cancer patients lose their hair during their treatments. It's encouraged that instead of spending the money you normally use to get haircuts or shaves, donate it to a cancer charity. Teenagers usually joke about this whole idea, but upon doing research, my heart has been warmed up.
9. Fall Fashions
It's finally time for boots and leggings and sweaters and beanies and I am so excited. My wardrobe has been made for autumn with loads of long sleeves and jeans and I love love love boots. I've literally been waiting to wear some of the things in my closet since last November so I can't even tell you how hyped I am that it's finally this time of year again. Also, side note, can we all just appreciate Harry Styles here?
10. The Year Is Almost Over!
Although I've actually really liked 2016, a lot of people have been bashing it and saying that we "don't speak of it" and that it was the most depressing year of all. I don't necessarily agree, just because a lot of lovely things have happened to me this year. We have a month left! For all of you negative people out there, the year is almost over! November is the perfect time to wind down and relax as you prepare for the holidays and prepare for the new year. 2017, here we come!
