Guest Blogger on 30 Reasons to Celebrate in November

30 Reasons to Celebrate in November

By Christina Donnelly 

Updated 07/14/19

 Jamie Grill / Getty Images

We can always use an excuse to celebrate, especially as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. From fun food holidays to creative family outings to your much-anticipated Thanksgiving feast, these 30 reasons to celebrate November will make the month a little bit happier.  

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  November 1: World Vegan Day

  
  

  

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  Vegan food isn’t just bland tofu and veggies anymore. These days, there are tons of alternatives for your favorite non-vegan foods, from desserts to bacon and burgers that actually look rare. Sample some veggie fare with some tasty vegan recipes, like vegan chili “cheese” dip, tofu “crab” cakes and dairy-free, cherry cheesecake. You won’t even miss the dairy ingredients!
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  November 2: Deviled Egg Day

  
  

  

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  Love ‘em or hate ‘em, this pop-able picnic staple has its very own day in November. Whether you prefer them basic, paired with tuna or with a little bit of a kick, deviled eggs make an easy appetizer, side, or snack.
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  November 3: Sandwich Day

  
  

  

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  It’s been said that the humble sandwich is the perfect food and the right bread, meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments can create tasty options. From classic peanut butter and jelly sammies to super indulgent (and super inventive) combos, the delicious possibilities are endless. 
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  November 4: National Candy Day

  
  

  

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  If you're looking for an excuse to eat some leftover Halloween candy, this is the perfect day to do it. For bakers, try homemade candy for an extra special treat.
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  November 5: National Doughnut Appreciation Day

  
  

  

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  As if you really need an entire day to appreciate (and eat) doughnuts! Although the origin of the doughnut is hotly debated, basic doughnuts, or rings of fried dough, first began to appear in literature in the mid-nineteenth century. Since then, they’ve only gotten better. Try your doughnuts frosted, stuffed with marshmallows, or topped with bacon. 
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  November 6: National Nachos Day

  
  

  

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  Sometimes they’re topped only with cheese, sometimes they’re totally loaded, and sometimes they’re spicy. One thing is for certain: Nachos are always decadent and delicious.
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  November 7: Hug a Bear Day

  
  

  

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  Grab your old teddy bear from the attic and give it a good squeeze because today is Hug a Bear Day. If you donated all of your old stuffed animals in a Marie Kondo-frenzy, celebrate by whipping up a new fuzzy friend with a free teddy bear pattern.  
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  November 8: Cook Something Bold Day

  
  

  

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  “Something bold” might mean preparing a casserole with a few ingredients. For others, it might mean whipping up a creative fusion of Japanese and American staples. No matter your cooking chops, today’s the day to put on your apron, get into the kitchen, and get cooking!  
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  November 9: National Louisiana Day

  
  

  

  Matthew LeJune / Unsplash

  
  

  Celebrate the state known for jazz, unique food, and its spectacular Mardi Gras festival with National Louisiana Day. If you happen to live in Louisiana, this one's for you!
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  November 10: Forget-Me-Not Day

  
  

  

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  Between work, household chores, and childcare, it can be tough to keep in touch with faraway friends and family. Take a few minutes today to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, whether it’s over the phone, email or social media. Or, if you're feeling extra creative, send someone a homemade card!
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  November 11: Veterans Day

  
  

  

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  On Veterans Day, Americans honor the brave men and women, both living and deceased, who served in the military. Take some time to learn how Veterans Day became a holiday, teach your children about the importance of the day, and call your favorite veteran to thank him or her for their selfless service. Or, consider donating to one of the many charitable organizations that serve veterans.  
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  November 12: Happy Hour Day

  
  

  

  Jamie Grill / Getty Images

  
  

  What better reason is there to enjoy a tasty beer, glass of wine, or cocktail than celebrating Happy Hour Day? Be sure to check out your favorite watering hole for Happy Hour Day specials, but take it easy to avoid the need for a hangover remedy.
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  November 13: World Kindness Day

  
  

  

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  Spread the love by doing a good deed, like raking an elderly neighbor’s yard or collecting their newspapers, writing a letter to an old friend, or surprising your partner with their favorite dessert. Not only will it make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but it’ll put some positivity out into the universe, too.  
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  November 14: National Pickle Day

  
  

  

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  Homemade or store-bought, sweet, spicy or sour, nothing adds saltiness, texture, and crunch to a sandwich like the perfect pickle. For a savory, Southern twist on a classic dill, toss sliced pickles in cornmeal and deep fry them. Then, dip them in a spicy aioli sauce.
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  November 15: The Great American Smokeout

  
  

  

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  Smoking has many negative effects on your health, but quitting can be hard. Each year, the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to finally kick the habit, if only for one day. It may be tough, but with the right tools and resources, it is doable. As an extra incentive, consider quitting for your kids, pets, and home. 
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  November 16: National Button Day

  
  

  

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  They keep our pants on, dress shirts together, and add decorative details to blouses and blazers. If you're iffy with a sewing needle, learning how to sew on a button is a good beginner skill to familiarize yourself with. Button Day is the perfect time to start.
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  November 17: Homemade Bread Day

  
  

  

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  The smell of freshly baked bread is totally intoxicating and while making homemade bread may seem a little intimidating, it’s actually really simple. The trick to achieving a crusty, outer layer is using steam during the baking process. Try your hand at basic bread, pumpernickel, or pita.
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  November 18: National Vichyssoise Day

  
  

  

  The Picture Pantry / Alloy / Getty Images

  
  

  Say bonjour to your new favorite soup recipe! This French soup combines pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock for a simple, but delicious dish. Although it’s traditionally served chilled, it can be warmed for those chilly, late-fall days. 
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  November 19: Play Monopoly Day

  
  

  

  NoDerog / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images

  
  

  When was the last time you played a six-hour-long game of Monopoly? Today, pretend you’re a kid again and play Monopoly with your partner or family. Don't forget some tips and tricks to help you win. 
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  November 20: Beautiful Day

  
  

  

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  Do you think arranged flowers are beautiful? Or your kids’ artwork? Or perfectly cooked bacon? Celebrate all of the things you consider beautiful today. 
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  November 21: National Stuffing Day

  
  

  

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  Thanksgiving is all about the sides! Although the holiday is only a few days away, there’s truly no wrong time to enjoy your favorite stuffing recipe. Check out some recipes for classic stuffing, sausage stuffing, and even savory, gluten-free stuffing.
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  November 22: Buy Nothing Day

  The holiday shopping season is soon approaching, but to celebrate today's holiday, keep your wallet at home. See how it feels to truly buy nothing today.
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  November 23: Fibonacci Day

  Leonardo Fibonacci was a famous mathematician and this day is celebrated as Fibonacci day. When the November date is written in the month/day format (11/23), it forms a Fibonacci sequence: 1,1,2, 3. This famous sequence is a series of numbers where a number is the sum of the two numbers before it. Now that you've learned something new, go share it with someone else!
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  November 24: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day

  Celebrate what makes you special, whether it's your ability to hula hoop, flip an egg, sing, play the guitar, or anything else. Show off that talent and enjoy your day!
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  November 25: National Parfait Day

  
  

  

  Elaine Lemm 

  
  

  Celebrate this delicious French dessert with National Parfait Day. A parfait is a tasty treat that includes layers of fruit, yogurt, or ice cream. It's typically served in a tall glass so the layers are quite distinct. Try making a citrus, cream, and blueberry parfait or a Japanese-style parfait.
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  November 26: National Cake Day

  
  

  

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  Most people don’t need a reason to eat cake. But if you do, celebrating a national holiday seems like really a good one. Store-bought or homemade, frosted or topped with fruit, sweet or savory, it’s your duty as an American to eat some cake today!
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  November 27: National Electric Guitar Day

  
  

  

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  Put on your favorite rock and roll album, grab your air guitar, and start wailing! If you can actually play the electric guitar, spend a few minutes strumming your favorite songs in honor of all the iconic, rock legends who used their guitars to transform music and society as we know it. 
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  November 28: Thanksgiving

  Time for family, friends and, most importantly, food. Whether the star of the dinner table is the turkey, the sides, the desserts, or the drinks, today’s a day to don your favorite sweatpants, forget the diet, and treat yourself. Oh, and spend time with the family, too. 
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  November 29 : Black Friday

  Keep your energy levels up with an easy, on-the-go snack that's packed with protein and fiber, so you won't get hungry while shopping. If Black Friday sales aren’t your thing, try noshing on some Thanksgiving leftovers and taking a nap on the couch. 
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  November 30: Small Business Saturday

  Support your local businesses and get shopping! Touted as the antidote to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is meant to boost your town’s economy by supporting local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses.