The joy of undemanding November days ...

 

My Instagram feed is filling up with images of Christmas decorating already.  There seems to be a trend to hurry through each month, each season, each occasion without slowing down to enjoy each for what they are. 

I love the undemanding time of November - it carries none of the expectations of December where lists, plans, gifts & shopping dominates. 

November is a welcome sigh, to feel the earth settle, to enjoy the colours of nature as the leaves drift underfoot in a thick spongy carpet.  The morning mists bring a mysteriousness to the day, sounds are muffled, shapes are half hidden & everything feels different, yet the same. 

November has not given way to harsh winter frosts, the biting cold, the icy grip of deep winter. It might be muddy & murky but it has charming colours, yet too few enjoy it fully. 

I enjoy the slowness of it, the busy festive season will be here soon enough, November days are to be savoured for the richness they bring to the year.

I used to do this poem with my younger students & it captures this time simply, but well. 

November comes 

And November goes, 

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late, 

With ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next Spring.

By Elizabeth Coatsworth.

Advent begins at the end of November, I like hold off putting up a tree till mid December because it stays up until Epiphany or Twelfth Night in January. I do not hurry Christmas either.

Slow down,  write your cards intentionally, & enjoy November as the welcome pause ... 

Thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated. 

Dee 🍁🍂🪾