November's Warmth, Traditions, and Finding New Routines

November has always been one of my favorite months, filled with warm colors like oranges and browns, cozy sweaters, and the comforting flavors of cinnamon apple tea, hot coffee light and sweet, or a steaming mug of hot COCOA. Honestly, I could get lost just thinking about the warm drinks and the way they wrap you in comfort as the weather cools.

As I reflect on traditions and routines this season, I find myself grappling with the PUSH and pull between the ways I was raised and the new paths I’m carving for my own family. Take Halloween, for example. Growing up, we never celebrated it—no dressing up or trick-or-treating. It was a holiday that felt distant and out of place. But this year, as I saw children dressed up as various characters, laughing and enjoying themselves, I realized how

difficult

it

can

be

to decide which new traditions to embrace for my daughter. The evening was unexpectedly challenging because I hadn’t prepared a costume, and it brought up feelings of inadequacy. Yet, at the same time, I felt a surprising sense of joy witnessing the COMMUNITY spirit that surrounded Halloween. It made me reconsider my perceptions and acknowledge that sometimes, traditions are what we make them.

Historically, November has been an exciting time for my family. It’s the month we celebrate my sister’s birthday, and, of course, how could I forget Thanksgiving? That was a joke, of course—Thanksgiving is practically the centerpiece of November, where most Americans clear out supermarkets to prepare a lavish meal that brings everyone together.

But for my family, Thanksgiving has always had a deeper meaning. November was a special month for my mom because it was the month my sister was born three months premature on November 19th after a difficult pregnancy. To celebrate the miracle of her survival, my mom would throw down and make a huge feast for Thanksgiving every year. It became our tradition—not to go to anyone else’s house, but to gather around our own table and give thanks for our family.

My sister and I often offered to help her out in the kitchen, but she’d always smile and say, “It’s OK. I got it. I’ll do it all.” She would joke that one day, she’d do nothing for Thanksgiving, and it would be up to us to cook everything. Well, when she said she was going to do nothing, she really meant it—if you know what I mean. Now, that day has come, and it’s up to us to cook for Thanksgiving with her spirit guiding us.

But..........................

Honestly, the thought of cooking for the entire family stresses me out—I can throw down for a quick meal after work, but Thanksgiving?

That’s

another

level entirely.

There are expectations about the perfect amount of cheese, the right consistency of gravy, and whether something is too dry or too moist. It’s enough to make my stomach turn! But I’m thankful for the family support I have, like my aunt and my mother-in-law, who are always happy to lend a hand in the kitchen. Their help makes this challenge feel a little less daunting and reminds me that I’m not alone in trying to carry on these traditions.

Here’s My Challenge to You: As we enter this season of gratitude and tradition, I challenge you to reflect on what truly brings you joy during the holidays. What TRADITIONS do you want to hold onto, and what new ones can you create that speak to where you are now? If you’ve experienced loss or change, it’s okay to feel like you’re

starting

from

SCRATCH.

Take this opportunity to intentionally shape the holidays into something meaningful for you and your loved ones.

What are some of the traditions and routines you have for the holidays that bring you peace and joy? After losing my mom, it feels like I’m starting from scratch with traditions, and I’m still searching for the ones that will feel right for me. I want to honor my mom’s legacy, but I also want to create new memories that bring comfort and joy to my family. I have no choice but to make it a beautiful tradition in my own way—sometimes that means sticking with what we know, and other times, it means creating something entirely new.

As we head into November, I’m hopeful that I can find the inspiration I need to make Thanksgiving special for my family. Whether that means spending hours in the kitchen or finding new ways to celebrate, I’m committed to making it meaningful. Here’s to the warmth of the season, new traditions, and the memories we’re about to CREATE.