November holidays: A family fun guide to the season

November, a month characterized by cooler temperatures and the anticipation of winter, is also rich with cultural, national, and fun holidays that span various traditions and countries.

From the reflective solemnity of Veterans Day to the festive spirit of Thanksgiving, November offers a diverse array of festivities that cater to many tastes and traditions.

This guide will explore these holidays, providing a deeper understanding of each and suggesting ways to partake in the celebrations, wherever you may be.

1. All Saints' Day: A day of reverence and remembrance

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Celebrated on November 1, All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church commemorating all the saints, known and unknown. This day, also celebrated by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church and some Protestant denominations, involves attending church services, praying for the deceased, and often visiting family graves. It's a day for honoring the saints who have gone before and for reflecting on continuing their legacy of faith.

2. Diwali: The festival of lights

While Diwali's exact dates change each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, it often falls in November. This five-day festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families celebrate by decorating their homes with lights and candles, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. Fireworks displays and prayers are significant aspects of the celebrations.

3. Veterans Day: Honoring military service

Veterans Day, observed on November 11 in the United States, honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased. The day is marked by parades, church services, and in many places, the American flag is hung at half-mast. A moment of silence is often observed at 11 a.m. across the country to remember those who have served.

4. Thanksgiving Day: A celebration of gratitude

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, originated as a harvest festival and has become one of the major holidays of the year. Families gather to give thanks for what they have and to enjoy enormous meals traditionally featuring turkey, stuffing, and other seasonal dishes. It's a time for family reunions, watching football, participating in parades, and for many, kicking off the Christmas shopping season with Black Friday sales the following day.

5. St. Andrew's Day: Scotland's national day

St. Andrew's Day, celebrated on November 30, is Scotland's official national day in honor of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. It is a day of national pride, featuring traditional Scottish food, music, and dance. Many Scots wear a thistle, Scotland's national emblem, on this day. Festivities may include ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances) and poetry readings, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.

Honorary and commemorative days

1. World Vegan Day (November 1) - Celebrates the benefits of veganism for humans, animals, and the natural environment.

2. International Day for Tolerance (November 16) - Highlights the dangers of intolerance and is observed by playing a card game designed to help people of different backgrounds meet and learn from each other.

3. World Children's Day (November 20) - Promotes international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. 

4. Native American Heritage Day (Day after Thanksgiving) - Honors the cultural heritage and significant contributions of Native Americans.

Honorary months

1. National Diabetes Month - Brings attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of people, emphasizing the importance of prevention and management of the disease.

2. National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month - Aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the need for accelerated research for its treatment, prevention, and cure.

3. National Adoption Month - Raises awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care, providing resources to those who are looking for adoption opportunities.

These November holidays offer unique experiences and opportunities for learning and celebration. Whether it's reflecting on the lives of saints, enjoying the lights of Diwali, honoring the service of veterans, giving thanks with family, or celebrating Scottish culture on St. Andrew's Day, November’s holidays enrich our understanding of global cultures and promote a sense of community and reflection.

By exploring these celebrations, families can appreciate the rich tapestry of world customs and the shared themes of joy, gratitude, and remembrance they represent.

Want more great ideas for creating lasting memories with your family? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.