Top 10 things about November

The last of colorful autumn leaves cling to a tree in the late afternoon sun in North Andover, Mass. Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The last of colorful autumn leaves cling to a tree in the late afternoon sun in North Andover, Mass. Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Now that the Halloween phenomenon is over, it’s time to settle in and enjoy the non-spooky things that fall has to bring. Below are the top 10 things to do in November, and there is a lot to look forward to!

10. Daylight Savings

On November 5th, Daylight Savings Time will finally come to a close. At 2 A.M. there’s a “Fall Back” (as the time changes to 1 A.M.,) allowing the sun to rise a little bit earlier. Why is this good for high school students? When you go to school in the morning, it will be a little bit brighter – the days of dragging yourself to the bus stop in a state of pitch-black confusion are over for now.

9. Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is the best time to go shopping! Stores will have huge discounts for Black Friday, which means you can get a ton of great stuff for a great price. The only downside – waking up early on a day off from school. However, with Daylight Savings Time being gone, the sun will (hopefully) be shining when you roll out of bed!

8. Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an all-around amazing holiday. Not only do you get to eat a fantastic feast, but it’s an opportunity to catch up with family members you may not have seen for a while. It’s also a great day to think of what you’re grateful for and think of your accomplishments over the past year.

7. Thanksgiving Break

School is great and all, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break – Thanksgiving break, to be exact. From November 22nd to the 26th, school is out for the holidays and holiday prep. That way, you can fully enjoy the holidays without having to worry about homework, essays, quizzes, etc. (Unless you’re that one teacher who gives assignments over the 5 day hiatus.) A message from students everywhere – please don’t.

8. Warm Clothing

Pull out the sweaters, the hats, and the scarves! November’s chilly temperature allows you to bust out all the warm, cozy sweatshirts you’ve just been itching to wear. On days below freezing, there’s nothing better than crawling out of bed into over-sized hoodies and pants that feel like pajamas. ‘Tis the season of layers!

5. Fall Colors

Let’s be real – did you see any other colors in October besides black and orange? No? Now, vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues can shine. The darker vibes that these seasonal colors bring really describe the essence of fall. As the last leaves fall from the trees, remember to get off the phone and look at your surrounding environment – nature is shedding its skin.

4. Fleece Blankets

Picture this: The snow is falling outside, your fireplace is bright with warm flames, a cup of hot cocoa is in your hand, and a fleece blanket is draped over you. Okay, so maybe the snow isn’t falling (you have to typically wait until December for that,) but everything else sounds like a perfect autumn night. Fleece blankets are one of those things that you can never have too many of; they provide a cozy warmth that’s unlike anything else.

3. Hairstyles

I suppose this one is mostly applicable to girls, but in the summertime, humidity can cause hair to frizz up. Well, gone are the days of buns and ponytails! Whatever hairstyle you skipped out on in the summer due to the possibility of it getting ruined by the high temperatures, now is the time to rock it. Fall invites you to let your hair down.

2. Holiday Decorating

The day after Thanksgiving is the best time to put up holiday decorations – no question. It’s the home stretch until the new year, so what better way to get into the holiday spirit than sprucing up the house? Bring out your Christmas trees, menorahs, kinaras, or whatever you use to celebrate the upcoming season!

1. Christmas Music

Although Christmas isn’t till December, Christmas hits are played on several radio stations throughout November. The opening bells of Mariah Carey’s rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You” causes heads to turn – it’s the most recognizable song of the season. Gone are the days of listening to Christmas music during the summer in hopes that it would bring the holidays along with it. It is now socially acceptable to turn up the holiday hits. Make a playlist of your favorite seasonal beats and put the volume on high – the holiday season is near!