Last week, if memory serves me correctly, the outside temperature reached about 74 degrees throughout the day. Also happening last week was the start of November. Now technically November is considered an autumnal month, but as anyone can attest, these past few years have treated November as an early start to the winter. There is something inherently wrong with crunching dead leaves on the sidewalk while wearing shorts. Mother Nature must’ve missed the memo.

Though I suppose that’s only fair because modern consumer culture has taught us that November doesn’t exist. Nature usually plays into this concept of an extra-long winter; nobody has any qualms about buying Christmas tree ornaments when it’s as cold as when people normally set up the tree. But now that warm weather has infringed upon the mind-numbing effects of the cold, it has become glaringly obvious how much of November we’re actually missing.

For example, Christmas music starting November 1^st has got to stop. By the time Christmas actually rolls around, everyone has heard the same five songs in six different renditions despite the eight different stations they’ve tried. The only cheerful thing about these carols is the sweet victory you feel after beating your brother in turning off the radio. Why are there no moving ballads about Thanksgiving to placate the holiday go-getters? North Penn, think about what we’ve learned over the years, all those lessons on pilgrims and Native Americans! Surely there’s something worthy of a few melodious bars. I would pay to hear any band named the Turkeys to lull me to sleep after a hearty Thanksgiving meal with thoughtful lyrics about fall and the harvest. (I’ll even negotiate terms for the trademark on the band name.)

Also to consider are countless opportunities to eat food. If there is one thing that speaks directly to the hearts of those young and old, it is not idyllic snow scenes or gaudy sweaters – it’s food. Thanksgiving is the one time of year where everyone is expected to have eyes bigger than their stomachs. The last thing you want to do is insult the chef, most likely your mother and/or father, who slaved away for hours in the kitchen while you stole forkfuls of stuffing when their backs were turned. (We all do it; there’s no sense in denying it with your mouth full.) And apple cider is way better than eggnog. It just is.

What’s often overlooked is how good November smells. Under normal circumstances, there’s crisp air and fall leaves. It would be a crime to leave out pumpkin. For some reason, if you’re guilty of liking pumpkin, you’re labelled and cast aside, but I stand firmly beside the pumpkin lovers. It has been written off strictly as a Halloween gourd, but the most amount of appreciation should really come from the month of November as pumpkin spice is one of the greatest gifts to humanity. I can’t speak for the lattes, but it’s found in pies and candles too. The smell of pumpkin is the November equivalent to the distinct back-to-school scent of September. (You all know the one, sharp and tainted with dread?) It’s a subtle reminder that the year is almost over.

But not before Black Friday – also in November. That’s a holiday in itself. So is Veteran’s Day. Even if you absolutely hate pumpkins and cannot stand crowded stores, before your heart completely ices over from the winter winds, remember to thank a soldier. November is nothing if not a month devoted to giving thanks and sharing the things we love.

So the best course of action is to take advantage of everything November has to offer us. Don’t consider it a hindrance to winter break because really, it’s not even winter yet. There’s still a final month of fall to soak up the dying daylight and have a satisfying frolic in the leaves before they’re covered with snow. Everyone knows snow doesn’t crunch nearly as well as dead leaves – nature’s one disappointment. The days are getting shorter, North Penn. Before we’re totally in the darkness of December, make sure you take the time to appreciate November. It won’t rush by if you don’t let it.