I usually hate cliches, but there’s something about the onset of autumn that makes me want to dive headfirst into piles of leaves and then cozy up with a good book and a special holiday drink. Along with all the classic activities, here’s a list of things you will encounter in November, from worst to best.
The worst:
3. The weather
November is one of the only months out of the whole year where it rains in southern California. Some people like it when the weather turns cold, gray and wet, and everything looks dead and damp. I am not one of those people.
2. Homework
With finals approaching and midterms just barely finished, homework tends to stack up around this time. It sucks, because this is really my favorite time of year. If you need me, I’ll be spending most of November in the library.
1. Movember
Also known as “No-Shave November,” this was started as a way to raise awareness for men’s prostate cancer. However, dudes often use this as an excuse to try full-on facial hair for the first time. Now, I appreciate a nice full beard as much as the next girl, but that’s just it—if you can’t grow a full beard or mustache, you look less like a cute lumberjack and more like someone playing a street urchin in “Les Miserables.”
The Best Things about November:
5. Daylight savings
We get to set our clocks back and get an extra, much-needed hour of sleep. And, if you forget to set your clock back, you’re early, not late. Bless.
4. The music
There are usually two genres of music that put me in my fall feels: Soft acoustic, and big, dramatic ballads (think Adele). There are a few albums coming out in November that are sure to hit the spot:
“The Greatest Gift” – new mixtape by Sufjan Stevens, out Nov. 24. Sufjan is the king of acoustic songs that make me want to cry. This mixtape includes outtakes, remixes and demos from his previous albums.
“The Thrill of It All” – new album by Sam Smith, out Nov. 2.
Bonus: “Reputation” – new album by Taylor Swift, out Nov. 10.
Ready for it? These songs are going to be stuck in your head for the rest of your life, so you might as well get a head start listening to them now.
3. The TV & movies
“The Punisher” – new Netflix show, out Nov. 17.
Part of Marvel’s “The Defenders” series, “The Punisher” is centered around the antagonist from “Daredevil” season two. The Punisher is one of the most unpredictable, tough and nuanced antagonists I’ve ever come across (I’m still not totally convinced he’s a villain). Just make sure you watch seasons one and two of “Daredevil” first.
“Thor: Ragnarok” – new Marvel movie, out Nov. 3.
Who doesn’t love a good Marvel movie? This new release brings up another potential civil war among the Avengers: Thor and The Hulk are pitted against each other in battle. What team will you pick? (#TeamTony all the way though.)
Bonus: “Coco” – new Disney-Pixar movie, out Nov. 22.
A young boy named Coco is an aspiring musician who takes a journey through the Land of the Dead. I’m beyond excited for the first Disney feature film set in Hispanic culture, and this movie looks adorable.
2. The treats
You already know. The Thanksgiving goodness. The pumpkin spice everything. Allow me to introduce to you a drink that will become your new Starbucks go-to:
Caramel Apple Spiced Cider. It combines apple cider, cinnamon syrup, caramel drizzle and whipped cream, and it tastes like apple pie in a drink. You’re welcome.
1. The holiday spirit
The absolute best thing about November, in my opinion, is the atmosphere and attitude. As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, people come together and remind themselves of all the things in their lives that they are thankful for. There’s a special sense of community that the holidays bring, and that’s what makes November so special to me.