Seasonal Tips For November

It’s November! The nights are getting longer in the northern hemisphere, and the weather is frostier. It’s time to light the fire and wear your biggest, woolliest socks. Here are a few seasonal tips for November to enjoy the best of the season.

Every year, at this time, which is currently November 12th, I start to feel the November chill. I’ve also noticed the influx of advertisements from shops as it nears the year’s biggest shopping season. The sun isn’t as high in the sky, and the light is disappearing fast, only to be turned into twinkly lights. There is an excitement in the air.

Usually, I have my winter clothes in my wardrobe after carefully unpacking them from a summer in storage. I’m grateful for winter coats, woolly jumpers, and knitted socks. I like storing my winter hats, scarves, and gloves ready for those chilly fresh-air walks, along with the woolly thermals and underlayers that bring joy to dressing in November. My boots are lined up by the door, ready to walk through the muddy dead leaves and icy pavements. Fabrics are generally heavier in November. It’s time for the heavier linen and wool and oversized cosy knitted jumpers made of fleece.

I go out less in the evenings in November, instead choosing to light the fire and candles in the house. It’s still relatively light in the morning, thanks to daylight saving time. However, I recommend a sunrise alarm clock for the chillier mornings. Something about the colder days makes it harder to get out of bed. The sunrise alarm clock emits light for half an hour before wake-up time, and it’s a joy to wake up once more.

Getting outside while it’s light is a great way to boost endorphins. A morning or lunchtime walk can be lovely in November; the low light is spectacular at times. Living in the dark north, I recommend a vitamin D supplement. It helps improve mood all winter, while we can’t get as much vitamin D from the sunlight. I take algae omega-3, and vitamin D3 from Nothing Fishy.

Going for a hike in the colder months can feel liberating. It’s perfect at any time of the year. The countryside is beautiful in November as the colours change and the plants recharge before spring. I like to pick up seasonal leaves and bits on the walk to showcase on the mantlepiece at home. Conkers are a plenty at this time of year. Wrap up warm, and take a flask of hot tea with you! I usually wear layers and this cosy recycled polyester fleece.

The roses are experiencing their second bloom, and it’s nourishing for the soul to see them. Most streets will have a garden with a rose bush; walking past them at this time of year is cheering. Crythansimums are also in season, and there are some beautiful varieties. The flower shops are full of oranges and yellows for autumn.

It’s sustainable to eat seasonally; we know that. But it can often feel daunting to know what that means. It can be as simple as growing herbs on your windowsill and using them to make tea instead of buying them from the shop. Try going to a local market and seeing what produce is abundant; even some supermarkets have ‘locally grown’ stickers on their food. If it’s locally grown, then chances are it’s seasonal. Seasonal vegetables and fruit in November in Northern Europe are apples, oranges, satsuma (grown in Spain), mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, romanesco cauliflower, leeks, pumpkins, squash and swede.

There is still time in November to sow vegetable and flower seeds for the winter ahead. Bare-rooted fruit trees can be planted at this time, too, and they may even bear fruit the following summer. If you are quick, you can sow flowers for the spring; it’s something to look forward to over the winter.

November is an excellent time to return to the kitchen, as many crave soups, stews, and crumbles. Search online for new favourite autumn recipes. And if cooking isn’t your thing, you can get the November vibe by drinking hot cider, hot chocolate, or a pumpkin-spiced latte. Good Food has an excellent list of autumn drinks and cocktail recipes. I’m particularly interested in the hot buttered rum!

This is the perfect time to learn a new skill and start a new project. Knitting, sewing, and crochet are lovely things to do in the long evenings. November is a time to chill out and regain our strength. It’s often a significant change from the previous months, so having something relaxing to do is important. Making a list of books you’d like to read and having the time to read them. I’ve recently reinstated my library card and enjoy the stroll up to the library each week. I often share on my Substack newsletter which books I’ve been reading.

Ensuring the house is cosy and inviting at this time of year is essential. Upgrading bedding to organic brushed cotton is one of my favourite things to do. Adding extra table lamps for warmth and atmosphere and to help read those new books makes the season more enjoyable. It’s easy to fall into the habit of watching too much TV during this time of year, but I suggest choosing a film or series you enjoy and watching occasionally. I love films from the 90s for their fashion inspiration. Or get out and visit the cinema. I recently went on a Monday morning, but any time of day is perfect.

November is a time to hunker down, but we must also care for ourselves. That means getting outside, too, as well as meeting family and friends. Invite people over, light the fire, and cook some lovely autumnal food. Or go to a restaurant specialising in local food and pretty autumnal decor. By that, I mean sparkly lights and a roaring fire!

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