Things to Do in November in CT

November is here and that means so many things – the leaves are falling, the temperatures are dropping, and we are SO close to my favorite season of the year. I feel like the last few months have picked up speed as we close out another year, so I’m trying to make November slow down just a little bit. Before December arrives, I’ve put together a list of things to do in November.

Rake leaves

This will be our first official winter as Connecticut homeowners and if my memory serves me right, it’s so important to prepare your yard for the cold months. I remember raking leaves for senior citizens as part of our high school athletic program community services every Veterans Day. My field hockey team would gather with coffees, sweatpants, and rakes to tackle the lawns belonging to the elderly of the town. I don’t know if the high schools still do this, but we don’t really qualify for their services, haha.

Make Thanksgiving plans

If you don’t spend Thanksgiving at the same place every year, it’s time to make your Turkey Day plans. We are traveling to Ohio to visit my husband’s family and have to arrange everything from our driving schedule to where we want to stop en route. I also need to consider Thanksgiving outfits for the family since we will be taking photos for my in-laws’ Christmas cards during our trip.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, start planning your menu sooner than later. Request help in the kitchen (if you’ll need it) and even plan to start cooking a few days beforehand. Did you know you can bake and freeze cookies? My husband’s Aunt does this a few weeks before every holiday since she has to make so many of her famous sugar cookies for everyone to eat.

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Donate to Goodwill or the Veterans

One of the things to do in November is to think of everyone who may be in need this holiday season! November is a great time to purge your house for items you no longer use or wear and prepare to give them to someone in need. Clean our your closets, basement, and garage and bag all of your items. Last week we donated 8 bags of clothing and household items to the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) and we will be scheduling another pickup soon.

Winterize your home

If you have a wood burning fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney before you light your first fire. Collect firewood and store it somewhere it can stay dry. Clean your gutters and check for standing water around your home. Lastly, check for drafty windows and seal up any cracks to keep out the cold wind this winter.

Write Christmas gift lists

If you have a list of gifts ideas established for family and friends early, you won’t be running around last minute looking for something to buy your cousin Phil. With a list on hand, you’ll be able to watch for sales on high priced or popular items.

Take Christmas card photos

We had our family photos for our Christmas card taken last weekend with Elizabeth Grant Photography. The earlier you take your photos, the more time you have to order cards and make prints as gifts for family members.

Start Christmas shopping

The best time to start Christmas shopping is NOW before hot ticket items are sold out. Many stores begin dropping prices on popular gifts in November and may even increase the cost closer to the holidays. I’ll be buying gifts to hide in the basement here and there as I see them go on sale.

What are some other things you can do in November?