Around November, many of us default to the consumerist cycle of Thanksgiving feasting followed by Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping. I’ve had my fair share of purchases over the years. I feel that this is short-term thinking, often driven by impulse purchases and fleeting trends, can leave us feeling empty in the long run.
It’s easy to forget that our most authentic home is not a shopping mall, but the Earth itself—whose natural rhythms can offer us a deeper sense of belonging and peace. And let’s not overlook the joy of embracing long-term, sustainable practices, like incorporating Mason jars into our daily lives, as a counterpoint to throwaway culture. So why not reshape your November with holidays and practices that not only connect you with the Earth but also offer a sustainable path to enrichment and joy?
Stay with me as we dive into a mix of unique holidays and alternatives to Thanksgiving, along with some fun events to spruce up your November calendar. These alternatives to Thanksgiving can lend ancient wisdom, family bonding, and mindful practices into a month that has the potential to feed your soul.
7 Alternative Holidays in November
1. Samhain (October 31 – November 1)
Origin: Celtic Paganism
What it is: The pagan New Year, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It’s a time for reflection, honoring the dead, and preparing for the cold months ahead.
How to celebrate: Create a sacred space to honor your ancestors, spend some time in nature, or even engage in some divination.
2. Zotigh
Origin: Native American
What it is: A social dance and gathering among Native American communities, Zotigh is a time for spiritual reflection and communal bonds.
How to celebrate: While respectful participation would require an invitation from the Native American community, you can honor the spirit of Zotigh by gathering your community for a day of dancing, storytelling, and shared meals.
3. November 15 – Full Moon, Supermoon
Origin: Astronomical / Native American Traditions
What it is: Known as the Beaver Moon, Frosty Moon, or Dark Moon, this celestial event was used by Native American tribes to mark the time for setting beaver traps.
How to celebrate: Spend some time under the night sky, perhaps even performing a moon ritual or simply meditating on your intentions for the coming months.
4. International Merlot Day – November 7
Origin: Global
What it is: A celebration of Merlot wine.
How to celebrate: Share a bottle of Merlot with friends and family, and perhaps pair it with some locally-sourced foods. Use this as a time to slow down and enjoy the company of others, making it an anti-consumerist event by focusing on quality over quantity.
5. National Family PJ Day – November 14
Origin: American
What it is: A day dedicated to lounging in pajamas with family.
How to celebrate: Don your favorite PJs and spend some quality time with your family watching movies, playing games, or cooking together. It’s all about the simple joys.
6. National Day of Mourning – November 28
Origin: American
What it is: A day to remember and honor Native Americans and the struggles they have faced.
How to celebrate: Educate yourself and others about Native American history and present-day issues. Consider attending a local event or ceremony if you’re invited.
7. National Mason Jar Day – November 30
Origin: American
What it is: A day to celebrate the utility and sustainability of Mason jars.
How to celebrate: Replace plastic containers with Mason jars, or get creative by making Mason jar crafts. They’re a great anti-consumerist tool, given their reusability and versatility.
Wrapping up
Last year, I gathered some friends for the Full Moon event, and we focused on setting intentions and expressing gratitude. It was a humbling reminder of the beauty in nature and its rhythms—a departure from the corporate grind and its artificial timelines.
So, as we navigate November, let’s make an effort to bring more meaningful experiences into our lives. With a mix of ancient traditions, family fun, and mindful practices, November can be transformed into a month that truly enriches your soul.
PS: after celebrating these celestial events and nature based traditions for a few years, I started asking myself… “Am I Pagan?”
I’m not sure if you’ve had the same question, but here’s what I found during my search for knowledge on the topic.