Let's turn this November into a Yes-vember! Let's be real, once Halloween is over, the holiday season comes swooping in faster than the swift spread of the holiday bundle of 10+ diseases circulating around. Who doesn't want to make the most of the year before it's over?

So here's your prescription on how to make the most of this November:

Before November begins: Sign up for National Novel Writing Month

There's a month for writing novels? I know, right. National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo begins every November 1st and gives participants the goal of writing 50,000 words of a novel by November 30th. It's a great challenge for yourself, and if you have a story you need to tell, November is the time to get it written! You can sign up at nanowrimo.org

November 1: Clean up your soul

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the holiday season also marks the start of the season of giving. If you didn't already know, November 1 is All Saints Day, so it's a very good time to analyze if you've been naughty or nice this year, and maybe do something about it.

If you read this article after November 1, try to do something good for your community on November 13, World Kindness Day!

November 7: Know your vote counts!

Even though there is no presidential election this year, we still have elections for other federal offices. Your vote does count! Make sure you're registered to vote and then mark your calendars for November 7!

November 11: Remember those who fought for our nation

Veterans Day is sometimes an overlooked holiday, but an incredibly important one, nonetheless. If you have a friend or a family member who served in the military, shoot them a call on Nov. 11 and let them know how much you appreciate them. You'll be glad you did.

Many schools have Veterans Day programs, and many cities also have parades and other activities. You can participate in these too!

(I send out my personal thanks to our nation's veterans, as well!)

November 23: Go into a turkey coma

Other than Independence Day, Thanksgiving is the most American holiday we have, and we have the turkey and pie to prove it. Spend time with your family, and really try to appreciate them for who they are. If you aren't going home for Turkey Day, spend it with some friends! It's always interesting to see how other families show their love (and how they make their stuffing!)

November 24-27: Shop Till You Drop

Everyone knows that the best deals come on Black Friday. If you haven't bought anyone Christmas/holiday presents yet, this is the perfect reason to get a move on it.

Some people are game enough to camp out in the freezing cold and divide up the fetching of the items between their army of small children, but if that isn't your pace, then Cyber Monday might be for you. You still get the great deals, but without any of the crazy! (And if you work in retail on Black Friday, bless your soul)

Before November Ends: Take the steps towards staying healthy!

It's the most contagious time of the year. Make sure you're washing your hands, getting your rest, eating, sleeping, and doing what's best for your body. Keep that immune system strong! If you can, try to get a flu shot (many places offer them for free), but if you can't then take the other steps toward preventing disease. It's your body, you don't want to be suffering in it.