Ask anyone what holiday falls in November and they'll likely say Thanksgiving. But it turns out there are lots of other holidays and events happening this month too! So we've rounded up some special (and some just wacky!) holidays and events your family will want to celebrate this month:
1. Peanut Butter Lovers Month
I mean, isn't every month peanut butter lover's month? Apparently not. It's only November. So surprise the kids and celebrate with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner and make some yummy Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Icing with the kids. November 1-31
2. Cookie Monster's Birthday
It's the big blue guy's birthday today. We didn't ask him how old he was. But you have to celebrate with cookies, right? Right. ME WANT COOKIE! Here are some easy recipes to get you started: Sour Cream Lemon Drop Cookies, Cowboy Cookies, and you can even surprise your kids with these (healthy!) breakfast cookies! November 2
3. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
What a great time to teach your kids the value of volunteering and helping those in need! Volunteer at your local animal shelter (some even ask people just to come in to pet cats!) or take in donations of things like pet food, blankets, and cleaning supplies. Many shelters have "wish lists" on their websites. November 4-10
4. Geography Awareness Week
The world is more connected all the time. This is a great week to grab a globe or map and find a country your kids are curious to learn more about. You can learn about the culture, cook a traditional recipe, and learn some words in the native language. November 11-17
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. November 3
6. National STEM/STEAM Day
Visit a science or discovery museum or plan some simple science, technology, engineering, art, or math projects to do at home with the kids. Need ideas? Check out Macaroni Kid's "All Things Science" Pinterest board for some science experiments you can do at home. November
7. 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. November 11
8. National Play Monopoly Day
Don't go straight to Jail. Instead, dust off this old classic (did you know this game has been around since 1883?) and settle in for an epic family game night. November 19
9. Thanksgiving
It's the mother of all November holidays! November 26
10. Small Business Saturday
We love supporting local businesses all year long -- and hope you do too! Held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a chance for you to support local businesses while shopping. November 28
Jennifer Hill is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Fremont, Calif.
