Happy November!

(November calendar page is available for download as wallpaper at www.americangreetings.com)

"November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring."
- Clyde Watson

The first day of November used to mark the Celtic New year.

For me, the first of November is the beginning of the holiday season. Thanksgiving menus and recipes and shopping lists get jotted down. Gatherings are planned. The Christmas season, with all its festivities and traditions and significance, is no longer a far off dream, but lies just on the next calendar page. November brings sweater weather, and batches of hot cocoa, and chilled apple cider, and warm pumpkin pie piled high with whipped topping, and the smell of burning leaves, and fire places "firing up" for the chilly season ahead and boys trudging through mountains of leaves, and feasting with family and friends and setting aside time to make memories, to remember, to be thankful.

Thankfulness. It is something we should practice every day we draw breath. Being thankful to God for all he has done and given to us; to those around us who fill our lives with love and our hearts with joy.

Be thankful everyday.

Begin today. What are you thankful for? Write it down. Share it, and let those who you are thankful for know it today.