Writers' Views on November

“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

“My biggest hope for this work is that it will help others to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom, and even more so to remember that the men, women, and children all involved in and affected by this era were not just statistics: they were people just like we are, with the same hopes, dreams, and very imminent fears.”

― J. Neven-Pugh

“November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.”
― Clyde Watson

“In November, some birds move away and some birds stay. The air is full of good-byes and well-wishes. The birds who are leaving look very serious. No silly spring chirping now. They have long journeys and must watch where they are going. The staying birds are serious, too, for cold times lie ahead. Hard times. All berries will be treasures.”

― Cynthia Rylant, In November

“Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks.

Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!”

― Charmaine J Forde

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
November 6th 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
7th 8:00 am- 3:00 pm

AH, SWEET NOVEMBER!

November next to the last month of the year and one of the best months of the year for many people. November is the time to break out the sweaters and the boots, the flannel shirts and sheets, the brunswick stew and the chili. It starts with All Saints Day and near the end there is Cyber Monday. In the between there is the end of Daylight Savings Time, elections, Veterans' Day, World Kindness Day, National Happy Hour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and just about any other type day you can think of. It is also the time we can decorate for Christmas and admit to listening to Christmas music.

THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621. Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird—whether roasted, baked or deep-fried—on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate.

VETERANS DAY

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. (From the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs website)