It's hard to believe November is here. We're so close to the start of 2023! This is a month to give gratitude, vote, and turn back the clocks. But that's not all. Here are 10 holidays and events your family can look forward to or recognize in November:
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1. Native American Heritage Month
Take time this month to learn about the people native to your town. Washington County Maryland, as well as Hagerstown are rich in Native American history. The names we have for local rivers and water shed says enough. Don't know where to start? This map shows indigenous territories, treaties, and languages throughout the world. You can also try this website to gain more localized knowledge.
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2. National Adoption Month
More than 117,000 children and youth were waiting to be adopted from the foster care system in 2020, according to data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. Have you considered adoption? Take this month to research the process where you live and see if adoption might be right for your family. My husband and I have always kept our door open to anyone who needs a place to stay, or help getting off their feet. Now that our children are older, the subject of becoming a foster family has been discussed some. Who knows what our families future will hold. Hagerstown, MD has a need for foster parents and families. If you are interested and need a place to start, check out the Maryland Department of Human Services website. You will find all the information you will need to help get you started on your journey.
And, we cannot forget about the furry, aquatic, chirping, scaly slithers' and all the other creatures that are in need of fosters and adoption families as well. You can start your search at the local Washington County Humane Society's website. There also are tons of animal rescues that are over running, tight on space and funds that can always use our help. As a foster parent to many animals in the past, and most recently a rehabber for orphaned and injured baby squirrels, this is a subject I will educate anyone on any day. Adopt, don't shop. Start your adoption journey here.
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3. Día de los Muertos
This celebratory Mexican holiday is a remembrance of the dead. Find out more about Día de los Muertos traditions. Nov.1 and 2
Although, there isn't many celebrations going on in Hagerstown, MD. You can still celebrate this holiday, and remember your loved ones at home. You can invite other family over, friends...whoever is interested in learning about, and celebrating this holiday. At the Dignity Memorial website, you can find many ways to respectfuly celebrate and remember your dead ancestors.
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4. The End of Daylight Saving Time
Before kids, the end of daylight saving time was probably a welcome date — after all, it meant an extra hour of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! But post-kids? That extra hour can now mean cranky kids and long days of disrupted naps and bedtimes. Read tips from a sleep consultant on how to help your kids adjust. Nov. 6
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I was blessed with 3 good sleepers. My youngest woke up the most through out the night, but was easily put back to sleep. But, still the comforting effects the hour of extra sleep gives was lost on me. I'm pretty sure that small children have ESP and know that we are up to something and wake up HOURS earlier than normal on these days. My kids are old enough now that they can fend for themselves in the mornings, and do not need me to supervise. So, celebrate this yearly gift of sweet, sweet, comfy, cozy sleep I will do.
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5. Election Day
We know we don't have to tell you how important it is to vote. Or how vital it is to teach your kids the importance of exercising their right to vote. Take them with you to the voting booth so they can see democracy in action. Nov. 8
Go Vote! Even if our voice is little in a sea of many, it still needs to be heard. Unsure where your polling place is? Here is a guide to all you need to know, and help finding your polling place. Go to the Washington MD election headquarters website.
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6. Veterans Day
Celebrate a veteran in your life by having your kids write a letter, draw a picture of thanks, or interview them about their experiences. Need to connect to a veteran? Operation Gratitude collects and distributes letters to veterans, as well as deployed troops, new recruits, and first responders. They even have a guide to letter writing to help you and your kids get started. Nov. 11
My grandfather was a veteran of the Korean War. He never asked for anything in return. He also was a volunteer fire fighter in our home town, and once age took him off of the rig he still remained a social member of our local department up until the day he passed. Following in his footsteps, my Father and Uncle are both lifetime members and volunteer firefighters at our local department. My brother is a Lieutenant in the Loudon County Department of Fire Rescue. He is going into his 18th year employed there. And I am a trained EMT.
Because of all members of our armed forces, and first responders, we are able to live as comfortable as we do. A lot of local businesses and restaurants will offer discounts, and even free meals to veterans on Veterans day. Veterans dot com is a good place to start to help you find the best way to celebrate your veteran this November 11th.
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7. National Recycling Day
The recycling rate increased from less than 7 percent in 1960 to 32 percent in 2019, according to the EPA. But we can all do more! Talk to your family on National Recycling Day about what more you can do to recycle at home. Nov. 15
Lets keep our planet clean and green. To find out all you need to know about recycling in Hagerstown, MD click here.
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8. Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender people face high levels of violence and discrimination every day. This is a day to memorialize those murdered as a result of transphobia. It's also a great time to talk to your children about what it means to be an ally to transgender and nonbinary youth. Need to learn more yourself? A good place to start is the Trevor Project, which has an excellent guide on the subject. Nov. 20
The members of Hagerstown Hopes welcomes everyone in and outside of the Hagerstown community to come together at City Square to remember those our community has lost. MacaroniKID has the event listed here.
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9. Thanksgiving
It's the mother of all American November holidays! Nov. 24
Every year, my husband insists that I make Thanksgiving Lunch at our house, and we still go to dinner at families house. His sole reason for this? So we have plenty of leftovers. Personaly, because of OCD and other reasons, (don't judge me, I'm being vulnerable) I do not eat leftovers, but I will chow down on some Thanksgiving ones. He is a lucky man that I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy not having to cook for 3 days in a row even more.
If you have nowhere to go, or are looking to volunteer, The Hope Center in Hagerstown, MD has it's doors open for you. You can find all the info you need to know on their website.
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10. Small Business Saturday
We love supporting local businesses all year long — and hope you do too! Small Business Saturday is a chance for you to support local businesses while doing your holiday shopping. Nov. 26
I am slowly but surely working on a list to upload into our MacaroniKID business directory for all of our page subscribers. But, until then, if you are looking to support local, visit Washington County MDs website to check out their list of businesses.
