November's bingo set is now available in the shop. Click here to go to the listing.
I've warmed up to November the past few years. It helps that I love my job and get to work from home. Here's the glossary so you can learn a bit about what I chose to feature in this bingo set:
30 Days - Pretty self-explanatory, but it's always a nice reminder which months have which quantity of days.
All Saints’ Day - November 1, but some celebrate it the first Sunday after Pentecost. In certain Christian churches, this is a day to recognize the rest of the saints who don't have specific celebration days of their own.
All Souls’ Day - November 2 is a Christian day of prayer and remembrance for the departed.
Beaver Moon - It's possible that November's full moon is called the "beaver moon" because beavers retreat for winter and it's a reminder of what's coming. It could also be related to beaver trapping that happened this time of year for native tribes preparing for winter.
Black Friday - This is already a bit outdated, as "Black Friday" has become a month-long sale, for some, and they even have them in July now. (It's silly.) But I think many of us still consider the day after Thanksgiving to be a big shopping day with lots of deals and Christmas vibes. I considered including Cyber Monday, but I like to go with more established events/traditions, in most cases. I think most online shops still have Black Friday deals as well, anyway.
Blankets - Time to get cozy!
Books and Reading - I included this not only because reading is a great activity for cooler weather, but the month of November seems to have lots of little holidays related to reading and writing (NaNoWriMo, Author's Day, Literacy Day/Month, and Library Month, to name a few).
Chrysanthemum - November's birth flower.
Coffee - I know coffee-lovers drink it year-round, but I think of November as a big coffee month since the weather is cold and lots of pie/dessert is being served.
Cooking - And lots of cooking (and baking) are happening for the holidays!
Day of the Dead - The eve of October 31 through November 2. Día de los Muertos is a primarily Mexican holiday that has become really popular in the US (mostly because of the cute decor, I think). It's meant to be a time to remember and even "reunite" with loved ones who have passed, but Americans sometimes just blend it all together with Halloween. (Yes, I have DdlM bingo sets!)
Diwali - This is one of those moving holidays that can fall anywhere between late October and mid-November, but October's bingo set was pretty full and I knew November would have some room. :) This is a Hindu holiday, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, that has also gotten more popular in the US (special thanks to The Office for helping raise awareness :D). I don't know much about it, but you can read up on Wikipedia. I do hope to add a bingo set for Diwali soon!
Election Day - This falls on the Tuesday right after the first Monday of November, so it can range from November 2-8. Election day often makes me think of my friend, Tina, whose birthday is the 2nd. I remember we spent one of her birthday parties watching the election results rolling in for our area. 😆 I'm not sure how she felt about that.
End of Daylight Saving Time - It's nice to gain an hour, but this is when it feels sooooo dark out. I'm one of those who hopes they do away with DST, except that'll make my bingo set outdated. ;)
Fireplace - Many are using their fireplaces for the first time in months in November.
Holiday Market - Several markets, bazaars, and craft fairs are scheduled in November so people can do some Christmas shopping.
Holiday Travel - November starts a big (and expensive) travel season. It's why my husband and I tend to just stay home for the holidays!
Movember - This is when men grow mustaches for the month to raise awareness for various men's health issues. It's a sad time. 😉
NASCAR Cup Series Championship - I try to include a good variety of events, and this is one of them. This takes place at the Phoenix Raceway.
National Dog Show - A Thanksgiving tradition that takes place in Pennsylvania and airs right after the NYC parade.
National Horse Show - "The oldest continually held horse show in the United States." (Wikipedia) It's now held in Lexington, Kentucky from late October through early November.
National Novel Writing Month - Also known as NaNoWriMo, this is a challenge that anyone can participate in. The goal is to write a 50k-word novel during the month of November. There are lots of boards and online communities to help support writers. My husband did this one year! It seems really tough, but also rewarding. I secretly want to try it sometime.
New York Comedy Festival - A big deal for stand-up comedy. The site describes it as, "...a seven-day festival featuring more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows at venues throughout all five boroughs of New York City over ten days."
Novem - November used to be the 9th month of the year before the Gregorian calendar came into effect, which is how it got its name. "Novem" is the Latin word for nine.
Pie - It's time for pie! What's your fav?
Pumpkin Decor - Pumpkin is still the star of the season, and it's versatile enough for decorations from September through November.
Sadie Hawkins Day - November 13 - I had no idea that this holiday originated from a comic strip. In school we used to have the Sadie Hawkins dance, and I guess I assumed it was based on an actual person.
Seasonal Produce - Some of the many fruits and veggies that are ripening in November.
Sports - Some of the biggest sports this time of year, whether it's because they are in their finals/playoffs or they're just getting going.
Stuttgart Duck Fest - This event has the longest name ever: World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival. It's held in Arkansas each year (the first one being in 1936!) over Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanksgiving - The star of November.
Thanksgiving Parade - The most well-known is the Macy's parade in NYC, but this could also be a references to other parades around the country.
Topaz - November's birthstone. I guess it comes in lots of colors besides the classic gold-yellow, so I included a blue one.
Turkey - The most popular Thanksgiving food, and usually there are leftovers for days.
Urbanna Oyster Festival - A long-running festival on the coast of Virginia. I'm not big on oysters, but this sounds like a fun tradition anyway.
Veterans Day - Honoring those who have served in the military.
Did I miss anything? Of course! There are so many things that occur each month, but I try to choose a variety of popular events and symbols that make this month special. It’s tough deciding what to feature. While creating them, I'm often limited by the available art (or my ability to create it) as well as the desire for some balance and consistency. I know that some important symbols and events get missed, and of course each person has a different experience, but I hope I have touched on at least a few meaningful aspects of the season for many Americans (and beyond).
Remember that you can purchase November bingo right here. Thanks for reading!
Have you attended any of the mentioned November festivals?