“The house was very quiet, and the fog—we are in November now—pressed against the windows like an excluded ghost.”

― E.M. Forster, Howards End

“In November, the smell of food is different. It is an orange smell. A squash and pumpkin smell. It tastes like cinnamon and can fill up a house in the morning, can pull everyone from bed in a fog. Food is better in November than any other time of the year."

“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets."

“In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.”

― Cynthia Rylant, In November

“It is also November. The noons are more laconic and the sunsets sterner, and Gibraltar lights make the village foreign. November always seemed to me the Norway of the year. ------ is still with the sister who put her child in an ice nest last Monday forenoon. The redoubtable God! I notice where Death has been introduced, he frequently calls, making it desirable to forestall his advances.”

― Emily Dickinson, Lettere 1845-1886

“I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.”

― Oliver Herford

“Colored lights blink on and off, racing across the green boughs. Their reflections dance across exquisite glass globes and splinter into shards against tinsel thread and garlands of metallic filaments that disappear underneath the other ornaments and finery.

Shadows follow, joyful, laughing sprites.

The tree is rich with potential wonder.

All it needs is a glance from you to come alive.”

― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

“Christmastime was always my favorite time of year. It did something to me. It made me softer. More kindhearted. Not an affliction I fall prey to lately. But back then I loved the days leading up to Christmas almost as much as I loved the day itself.”

― Serena Valentino, Evil Thing

• Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is now of the most famous holiday traditions in the United States.
• Break the wishbone for good luck It may sound silly, but this is a real thing! After carving the turkey, the wishbone, a Y-shaped bone that carries much superstition, gets set aside to dry. Once the meal is over, two people make their wishes and break the wishbone. Whoever ends up with the bigger piece is said to have their wish come true and good luck for the upcoming year.
• Eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal No Thanksgiving Day would be complete without the traditional meal. Must-eats are: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Green bean casserole has become a popular dish, especially in the Midwest. 
• Take a nap After an afternoon filled with cooking and eating delicious food, many retreat to the couch for a mid-day nap. Turkey is well known as the culprit of this sudden onset of sleepiness, with its high levels of the amino acid tryptophan. While tryptophan is known to help release chemicals like melatonin (which makes you drowsy), it’s not entirely the turkey’s fault. Eating other foods that are high in sugar (like pie) also increase your tiredness. But with all the business of the holiday, everyone deserves some rest!
• Share what you’re most thankful for Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect on the year alongside family and friends. Whether it’s during the meal or while relaxing later in the day, go around the room and share something you’re especially grateful for. It’s wonderful to hear everyone talk about their favorite moments and experiences from the previous year.
• Watch an American football game Football is the most popular sport to watch in the US and the idea of games played on Thanksgiving Day actually dates back as early as 1876, shortly after the game was invented. Families and friends gather around to watch their favorite teams compete in one of America’s favorite sports. Or, to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories, some families split into teams and play a game of football themselves.
• Be grateful for Friendsgiving   Because most people celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, dedicating time to give thanks with friends has become equally important. Friends gathering together, aptly called “Friendsgiving,” is a newer tradition. It’s a time to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company before traveling home to join family.
• Run a turkey trot It may seem counterintuitive (or genius) to run a race on America’s biggest food holiday, but turkey trots are a trend across the US on Thanksgiving Day. The name derives from the turkey, the typical centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. From 5K fun runs to half marathons, these races bring out runners, walkers and fans in local communities. It’s a fun way to earn and burn the calories consumed during the Thanksgiving meal.
• Shop ’til you drop on Black Friday Stores all across the country have some of their biggest sales the day after Thanksgiving. Now known as Black Friday, this day is almost a holiday in itself. While this shopping tradition has changed with the rise of e-commerce, people still stand in line for hours early in the morning to get great discounts and start their Christmas shopping.
• Giving back In the spirit of giving thanks and helping others, many communities across the US hold annual food drives that collect non-perishable packaged and canned foods for those in need. These organizations also host Thanksgiving dinners so that everyone has a place to enjoy a warm meal.

• Watch a Christmas movie One uniquely American tradition during the holidays is watching specific movies and TV shows that put us in the holiday spirit. There are a number of favorites that range from old movies to cartoons.  
• SET UP A CHRISTMAS TREE Once you have had your fill of binge-watching holiday movies, you may want to participate in one of the oldest Christmas traditions, which dates back to the 15th century. That is, of course, selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. 
• STRING HOME & YARD DECORATIONS Holiday decorating is not limited to just the tree. Decorate your home with Christmas light displays and be the envy of your neighborhood. Some displays even coordinate the lights to turn off and on in unison with popular Christmas songs. Families often travel from miles around to search for the most beautiful light displays.
• HANG THE MISTLETOE The tradition of hanging a strand of mistletoe in the house goes back to the 2nd or 3rd century. Mistletoe was said to have powers that bring good luck to a home by getting rid of evil spirits. More commonly, it was also used as a sign of love and friendship. 
• HOST OR JOIN CHRISTMAS DINNER Of the many Christmas traditions celebrated around the world, the most common thread is the celebration of a shared meal. Create memories and reflect on the year by joining friends and family together to enjoy a delicious meal. 
• BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND DECORATE GINGERBREAD HOUSES While we all love a good meal, the actual process of baking together is often a family tradition in itself. Making cookies, baking pies, or building gingerbread houses falls in line with the holiday spirit that it is better to give than receive. Don’t forget to set a few cookies aside (with a glass of milk) for when Santa pays a visit. 
• EXCHANGE GIFTS Gift giving is one of the most beloved traditions of Christmas (especially for children) and it goes back to when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger. Gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree or within stockings in festive patterns. Browse some unique gifts you can get for your family and friends.
• SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS Exchanging greeting cards has become a huge tradition during the holidays. It is a great way to communicate with friends and family and express that you are thinking of them. This year has been a very unusual one, with many of us not venturing too far from home, which means it has likely been a while since some of your more distant friends and family have seen your face. The annual holiday card greeting will be appreciated that much more this December. 
• HIDE AN ELF ON THE SHELF The Elf on a Shelf phenomenon became a family Christmas tradition close to 15 years ago. It is derived from a children’s story about Santa’s elves watching over children and reporting back to Santa about the good and bad activities of the children observed that day.
• LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS SONGS & GO CAROLING  Music plays a large role in many Christmas traditions around the world. We listen to holiday favorites with family and friends and have our playlist of favorite songs, such as “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and many others.

The old adage of saving the best for last aptly applies to the months of November and December.  Days 1 and 2 of November are set aside as days of remembrance for the good and bad who have passed.  All Saints Day is celebrated followed by All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.  Both living and passed are celebrated on November 11 with Veterans Day.  This day is set aside to honor the living who served their country and to remember the  sacrifices any one who serves his country may be called on to make, even the ultimate sacrifice.  December also has a day set aside for remembrance for when the US was attacked on its own soil by a foreign power.  Something that had not occurred for over 100 years and would be more than 50 years until it reoccurred.  

In November with change the way we measure time as we changed back from Daylight Savings Time.  Afternoons darken sooner but mornings become brighter earlier.  In December the season changes with the advent of the winter solstice and the tendency turns more towards inside pursuits than those of the outdoors.  Wood and leaf smoke begin to fill the air as the earth in our part of the world goes into its time of rest.  A special  day of thanksgiving has been set aside on the fourth Thursday of November, but then every day should be one of Thanksgiving.  The season of Advent begins on a Sunday either in late November or early December.  Friends and family gather during the last two months of the year to celebrate and remember and prepare for the new year with chances to do it all over again.  And remember that by the end of December, spring is just around that proverbial corner.