It's hard to believe November is here and we're so close to the start of 2022. This is a month for families to give gratitude, celebrate different cultures and histories, vote ... and turn back the clocks.
Plus, Hanukkah comes early this year ... so make sure you're ready!
Here are 10 holidays and events your family can look forward to in November.
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Native American Heritage Month
This is a great time of year to learn about the people native to your town. Don't know where to start? Native-Land.ca is an indigenous-led tool that maps out indigenous territories, treaties, and languages throughout the world. Find out more about researching Native Americans.
Moundville Archaeological Park is a wonderful place to learn more about and celebrate Native American Heritiage Month.
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National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau and was created to increase national awareness of adoption issues, especially the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system. Data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System show only 5 percent of all children adopted in 2019 were 15-18 years old and there are over 122,000 children and youth waiting to be adopted who are at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections.
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Día de los Muertos
This celebratory Mexican holiday is a remembrance of the dead. Watch the moving Disney Pixar film "Coco" with your kiddos to help them understand the meaning behind this holiday. Find out more about the Día de los Muertos traditions. Nov.1 and 2
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Election Day
We know we don't have to tell you how important it is to vote. Or how vital it is to teach your kids the importance of exercising their right to vote. Take them with you to the voting booth so they can see democracy in action. Local elections matter! Nov. 2
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Diwali
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the Indian new year. It traditionally spans over 5 days, but many families will gather on day three as that is when the major festivities take place. In 2021 the main date of celebrations take place Thursday, Nov. 4. Sharing food and sweets is an integral aspect of Diwali. Here are two recipes you can make to celebrate — including a delicious sweet carrot pudding that is like the Indian version of carrot cake. Yum! You can also celebrate on locally at the Bama Theater in downtown Tuscaloosa. On November 14, Diwali-Festival of lights will be presented and a dinner catered by Sitar of India. You can learn more by clicking here. Nov. 4
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The End of Daylight Saving Time
Before kids, the end of daylight saving time was probably a welcome date — after all, it meant an extra hour of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! But post-kids? That extra hour can now mean cranky kids and long days of disrupted naps and bedtimes. Read tips from a sleep consultant on how to help your kids adjust. Nov. 7
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Veterans Day
Celebrate a veteran in your life by having your kids write a letter, draw a picture of thanks, or interview them about their experiences. Need to connect to a veteran? Operation Gratitude collects and distributes letters to veterans, as well as deployed troops, new recruits, and first responders. They even have a guide to letter writing to help you and your kids get started. Tuscaloosa PARA will be celebrating this holiday with a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. The Army's highest enlisted soldier will be the keynote speaker on Nov. 11 at 10am.
Nov. 11.
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Thanksgiving
It's the mother of all American November holidays! Nov. 25
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Small Business Saturday
We love supporting local businesses all year long — and hope you do too! Small Business Saturday is a chance for you to support local businesses while doing your holiday shopping. Nov. 27
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Hanukkah
Feel like Hanukkah is early this year? You're right! It hasn't started in November since 2013 and won't again until 2032. So enjoy this 8-day Jewish holiday early this year! Here are six kids' books about Hanukkah we love. Nov.28-Dec. 6
