Now that October is over and the spooky season has finally come to an end some may be ready to take an early jump into the winter holiday season. The day after Halloween I began seeing Christmas sweater wearing carol singing bundles of joy running around campus carrying their Starbucks winter themed cups. These people seem to have forgotten some minor details. Such as the fact that winter technically doesn’t begin until December 21^st or the fact that this little month called November currently stands between them and their holiday cheer. Now before you get your jingle bells in a twist and start accusing me of stealing Christmas hear me out as I list the seven reasons why I think November is the most underrated month of the year.

1. Sweater Weather

November marks that perfect time in Oregon weather where it is no longer 35 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees in the afternoon. The weather begins to call for sweaters and leggings and boots all day long. So what the rain begins to pour down harder than it did a few weeks ago? That’s just one more reason to layer and finally wear that “IT” inspired yellow rain jacket. Plus, who doesn’t love splashing around in rain puddles? And hey, At least it’s not freezing cold December.

2. The trees

Leaves. Are. Falling. There is nothing better than walking around in the brisk fall air with brightly colored leaves fluttering around in the wind. November is that perfect time where about half the leafs have already begun to sprinkle the ground and are ready to be raked into perfect jumpable pies while the other half sit beautifully on the trees making walking to class a little more bearable.

3. Finals are not yet upon you

For those not ready to begin the stressful sleepless nights that are sure to insue the minute finals begin, fear not. While week eight approaches for college students on the quarter system so does the end of midterms and the sweet two weeks that come before finals week that usually mean no tests or papers. It’s the last chance to truly enjoy freedom before the final push begins. Plus break is in sight making everything seem a whole lot brighter.

4. Day Light Savings - Fall Back

One of the best feelings in the entire world is waking up the day after fall daylight savings and feeling the most refreshed because you got a whole extra hour of sleep. The great part is that sense of restfulness lasts a couple days after since your body isn’t used to the adjustments and keeps waking you up an hour before you need to be. Nothing like an extra hour of sleep to start the day off right.

5. No shave November

Beards are out and legs are covered. Forget buying that new razor this month because it’s no shave November. Why bother shaving when you can rock some facial hair that will not only impress that cute girl you sit next to in sociology but also keep you warm in the cold month to come. Ladies why bother putting all the effort into looking like a naked mole rat when no one will be seeing your legs anyway. Plus, the longer hair can add a whole extra layer of warmth under those leggings.

6. Best holiday ever- Thanksgiving

Turkey. Family. Long weekend. Smells like Thanksgiving to me. An entire holiday which revolves around food, loved ones, and more food. Thanksgiving is a holiday in which you can take the time to appreciate the good people in your life and do so while cramming your face full of mashed potatoes. Thanksgiving has it all: Cooking, eating, watching football, being surrounded by family and friends. I even know people who do 5k runs on Thanksgiving day. As a college student living out of state thanksgiving gives time to go home, recharge, and eat some killer homemade food. Even for those who decide not to go home for the holiday, at least you get two days off school.

7. Black Friday

A day in which one can give into their animal urges and trample soccer moms to get that new half-price laptop. Black Friday sales not only allow for some sweet deals but also for one to stock up on future winter holiday gifts without breaking the bank completely. The day after Thanksgiving is also the first day that I finally acknowledge that winter holidays are approaching and don’t cringe at the idea of hearing how jingle bells rock.