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Even the most out-of-touch Americans realize that our nation is heading down the tubes if we let it. If there’s ever been a time when our nation needs to get it together and Fight for November ~ that time is now. What do I mean?
I can’t imagine how it must feel to be a kid right now. The chaos around us is getting louder and louder. In my childhood and yours, so many absolute truths were just understood and absolute:
- The Bible was respected even though some did not fully agree
- The military was respected by most although some did not fully agree
- Family time was sacred and old fashioned traditions were cool
- People wouldn’t dream of Christmas the day after Halloween
- People certainly wouldn’t dream of shopping on Thanksgiving DAY
- Thanksgiving was planned for weeks and celebrated zealously with family
Don’t think I’m picking on you just because you were dying to get that Christmas tree up the day after Halloween. Okay, maybe I am. 😉
I’m just calling for a few Mamas {Grandmas, Aunties, friends} to step up and think about what kind of legacy we are leaving our children. We are moving farther and farther away from family values and thankfulness. Our society needs a whole month to focus on family and thankfulness. We must #fightforNovember.
What memories are we giving the young ones and teaching the next generation? What if they learn from us to trick or treat and then stop just long enough to cram some Thanksgiving dinner in our mouths before rushing out the door to Thanksgiving Day sales. Mamas, we gotta show them the old-fashioned joy of honoring traditions that deserve their own time and space.
Here’s a thought… This year, why don’t we focus on the moment. We don’t have forever, we just have right now. Let’s focus on November. How do we do this? I’m so glad you asked …..
How to Fight For November
Every great plan has a mindset. What is it we are fighting for anyway? To #FightforNovember, we must hold on to what makes it special. Basically, November includes Veterans Day {Remembrance Day for our Canadian friends} and Thanksgiving. Let’s resolve to make these two holidays the most memorable family memories yet. That will look differently for everyone, but the point is to decide to educate your kids and then commit to quality, family time on those days.
1. Please teach your kids about Veterans Day and pick at least one special tradition to do together every year.
2. Find a Fall List that works for your family and make it a priority to do a few each week. Educents has my favorite Fall Bucket List free right now.
3. Snuggle up with the fam and watch some great family movies together about Thanksgiving and thankfulness. I’ll list some suggestions below.
4. Go Old School – Turn the TV off and play board games on the floor and then walk outside and spend time with them without any electronics.
5. Make some new memories this Thanksgiving and create new traditions that your kids can one day carry on with their families.
6. Make me a promise you will not shop on Thanksgiving! You can be extra awesome and not support Black Friday either.
7. Shop online Instead of shopping on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday ~ there are plenty of comparable deals.
8. Make old fashioned gifts together for others on Thanksgiving afternoon/night to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
9. Praise companies that support families spending the holidays together. I will list company details below.
Awesome stores ~ Some that want their employees to enjoy the holiday refuse to open on Thanksgiving Day are REI, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Costco, Staples, Home Depot, Lowe’s, GameStop, Home Goods, Burlington Stores, Cabela, Barnes & Noble, DSW, Ikea, Joann’s, Nordstrom, Patagonia, Petco, Petsmart, and Pier 1.
One store that is making an even bigger statement that fills my heart with joy is REI. Here’s what they say:
“We’re closing our doors on Black Friday and making tracks outside. For 76 years, we’ve been passionate about bringing you great gear and experiences to get you out too. Join us Outside.” They’ve started a whole #getoutside campaign where they are paying their employees to off for Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. I for one, think it’s the coolest thing ever. Let them hear from those of us who think what they are doing is fabulous!!!
Awesome November Movies ~ Some of my favorites with the fam and popcorn are An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving
, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, 
These are just ideas to get you started on making November extra special. Probably a lot of what you knew already, but some of us just need to be reminded of what’s important as our lives get busier and busier. Now get to making those memories, Sister!
How will You Fight for November this year?
Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.
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