I'm a fan of underdogs: Rocky, the Karate Kid, and of course the Breakfast Club. But I'm not fan of mainstream things: Frozen and the Walking Dead. I love things people don't. But I also love the things every other college kid does: Halloween and Christmas.
In regards to the fall/winter holidays I see a common theme- November is always overlooked. It seems like everybody encounters an awkward and uncomfortable eight-week transition period from October 31st to December 25th. It's still fall, and people don't know what to do. However, there's a whole, forgotten, month between Halloween and Christmas.
People would be lying if they said they didn't want to go to Target on November first to buy all the candy on clearance and all the Christmas decorations at once. But people shouldn't forget November. The fact that they do makes it easily my favorite month. Important things happen in November.
Obviously Thanksgiving is the big-ticket event of the month. It's a week off of school, but most importantly, it's a week with family. The holiday is literally made for people to take a step back, out of the daily routine of their lives, and be grateful. I think it's an important holiday, and it comes right before everyone asks for the next best gadget or most expensive purse. Although the situations that occurred during the first thanksgiving leave a bad connections for people, the idea about coming together to give thanks is an essential part to the year; It reminds people to give thanks and spend time with family, which is vital to not forget.
But November is also the month for Veterans Day. This day, no matter where you stand on politics or any of the wars the United States has engaged in, is a day of respect for every American who served in any job in any branch of the military. With my dad serving in the Navy, and my grandpa in the Air Force, this holiday has always held a special place in my heart. I make sure to always wear my Navy hat proudly and do my best to remember the sacrifices made by those who serve. However Veterans Day is always forgotten as it is surrounded by stores filling with holiday items. Veterans Day is important for everyone who has ever had a family member or friend and frankly every American to remember who fights to protect their rights to protest any war.
Not to forget some of the most simple aspects of November, the month is designed for turtlenecks and fuzzy socks. The temperature is just right, not too cold but not too hot. Blankets are plentiful and movie marathons are a must. The nights are crisp, and the days are anything but humid. The leaves, if you're lucky enough, go through a kaleidoscope evolution of orange and yellow and red. Football in November is an every weekend event; whether it be college or professional, there's always a game to watch. Also hockey comes back as the puck is dropped at center ice again. November is the world slowing down before the holiday bustle. November is full of rain, college acceptance potential, and most importantly the changing of feelings to more thankful and appreciative (hopefully).
So please don't forget about November. Don't waste this beautiful eight-week transition waiting for the next best thing when you get to live during one of the best months.
