November: a month to give thanks. At least that is what it was once known for. In the past 15 years the meaning of November is changing. A once thankful month has turned into a month for the Christmas countdown. Besides the change of November, November is still a great month. Here are top five things that make November great.

The first big day in November is election day, the day that passionate Americans go to the polls to express what they want. Depending on the year, it depends on how many Americans join together to vote for politicians and issues.

Then, in about a week is Veteran's day; the day when Americans get to say thanks to the ones that served to protect our freedom. These two days are an important part of being an Americans and day to look forward to all year.

After voting and saying thanks to veterans, the next great day in November is Thanksgiving, of course — a holiday all about being thankful for all of our luxuries, health, family, friends and food. Every fourth Thursday in November is a great day to eat: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie. The endless food is what makes Thanksgiving great. Imagine the taste of pumpkin pie with the spray whip cream! The best part of Thanksgiving.

On the topic of food, pumpkin and peppermint are the hot flavors: pumpkin from the crisp fall air and peppermint from the Christmas classic. When you’re in the fall mood, pumpkin flavor it is. Also, when you're in the winter mood it's peppermint. November is the only month were both flavors are accepted and sold.

Speaking of weather, November is when east central Indiana can get its first snowflakes and yet we can get our last sunny day. Yes, it can be annoying that the weather is more hormonal than a pregnant woman, but it's the best. The weather is not terribly cold or terribly warm.

Moving along, once Halloween is over it's Christmas time; November starts the Christmas countdown. The Countdown to the ABCFamily’s 25 Days of Christmas is just the beginning of the awesome Christmas start. The music, food, decorations and the gift of giving. That is why the countdown to Christmas is great.

The best is saved for last! Black Friday is by far the best part of November: millions of people all out to get the best deals and celebrate the official start to the holiday shopping season. After a great Thanksgiving meal, it's time to strut out to the stores to get the best deals for the top items on your Christmas list.

Overall, November is a great month full of memories, pumpkins, peppermint sticks, turkey and shopping. November is the best month of the year.