November Seasonal Living List
As the golden days of autumn deepen into November, the world around us begins to slow down, offering a natural invitation to do the same. There’s something wonderfully quiet about this time of year—a gentle pause before the holiday rush, a crispness in the air that asks for warmth and reflection. November is a time to tuck in, to embrace the comforts of home and hearth, and to reconnect with the simple pleasures of the season.
Here’s a cosy, slow-living Seasonal Living List to help you make the most of this beautiful, understated month. It’s about savouring the little things, leaning into the rhythms of the season, and nourishing yourself along the way.
1. Create a Seasonal Morning Ritual
The darker mornings of November are perfect for easing into your day with intention. Instead of rushing out of bed, try waking up a little earlier to enjoy the quiet before the day begins. Brew a hot cup of tea or coffee, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and light a beeswax candle. Take this time to journal, meditate, or simply sit in stillness, watching the world wake up slowly. Let this be a daily ritual to ground you as the month unfolds.
2. Make a Gratitude List
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, November is the perfect time to reflect on gratitude. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for—small or big. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight filters through the trees, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend. This practice not only lifts your mood but helps you see the beauty in the everyday.
3. Host a Seasonal Gathering
There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from gathering friends around a table, sharing a meal, and creating memories together. Host a simple seasonal dinner or brunch, with comfort foods like roasted vegetables, hearty soups, and warm breads. Keep it relaxed and easy, encouraging everyone to contribute a dish, so the focus remains on connection rather than perfection.
4. Savour Autumn’s Bounty
November is full of seasonal produce—think root vegetables, squash, apples, and cranberries. Take a trip to your local farmers’ market and stock up on what’s fresh. Try your hand at making homemade soups, baked apples with cinnamon, or a simple apple crisp. There’s nothing like the smell of something warm baking in the oven to make your home feel cosy.
5. Start a Hygge Reading Nook
The shorter days are perfect for embracing the Danish art of hygge—creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Set up a little reading nook with soft blankets, plush pillows, and twinkling fairy lights. Stack your favourite books nearby, along with a cup of hot cocoa or chai, and spend a few hours each week getting lost in a good story.
6. Embrace Nature’s Slow Down
Even as the temperatures drop, there’s something magical about stepping outside into the crisp November air. Wrap up in a cosy scarf, put on your comfiest boots, and take a slow walk through your neighbourhood or a nearby park. Notice how the landscape is changing—the bare branches against a pale sky, the last few leaves dancing in the breeze. Let the quiet of nature help you reflect and recharge.
7. Create a Handmade Gift
With the holiday season approaching, November is a lovely time to start crafting thoughtful, handmade gifts for your loved ones. Whether it’s knitting a scarf, making scented candles, or creating homemade herbal bath salts, these slow, creative projects can be deeply satisfying. Plus, there’s something so meaningful about giving a gift made with love and intention.
8. Celebrate Candlelight
As the nights grow longer, candles become a beautiful way to bring light and warmth into your home. Create a ritual of lighting candles in the evening—whether it’s at the dinner table, while you’re reading, or as you unwind in the bath. Natural beeswax candles are perfect for the season, warming, honey scented and creating a calming, autumnal atmosphere.
9. Create a Slow Evening Routine
November’s dark evenings offer the perfect excuse to slow down and unwind after a long day. Try to end your nights with a calming routine—dim the lights, put on some soft music, and prepare a warm drink, like herbal tea or golden milk. Unplug from screens, perhaps enjoy a hot bath with essential oils, and take time to nurture yourself. A peaceful evening sets the tone for restful sleep and a more grounded day ahead. With longer nights and shorter days, November naturally encourages more rest. Prioritise your sleep to restore energy and support your body as it adjusts to the seasonal shift.
10. Reflect and Set Intentions for the Winter Season
November is a season of quiet transformation. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us, preparing for the restorative energy of winter. As autumn begins to fade into winter, take some time to reflect on the year so far. What would you like to focus on as the colder months set in? What themes or feelings do you want to invite into your life? By setting intentions now, you enter the next season with clarity and purpose, aligned with the slower, quieter pace of the season.
Nourishing the Body: Cosy and Seasonal Foods
As the weather cools, it’s time to warm up from the inside out. November offers an abundance of grounding root vegetables and warming spices that are perfect for comforting meals. Eating seasonally not only nourishes your body but also aligns you with nature’s rhythms, creating a sense of harmony.
Here are a few ideas for November:
Root Veggie Roasts: Think sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets. Roast them with rosemary, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple, hearty side dish.
Warming Soups and Stews: Broths simmered with squash, lentils, and leeks are perfect for long evenings. Add turmeric and ginger for immune-boosting benefits.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates a cosy, aromatic drink that’s perfect for sipping as you unwind at the end of the day.
These warming foods naturally support your body’s need for grounding and comfort during the colder months, helping you feel more at home in the season.
Moments of Stillness
The shorter days of November naturally encourage us to slow down, but in busy lives, that can sometimes feel challenging. Creating intentional moments of stillness, even in small ways, can help you settle into the slower rhythm of the season.
Here are some gentle practices to support your mental and emotional well-being:
Daily Journaling: Set aside a few quiet moments each morning or evening to reflect on what you’re grateful for, how you’re feeling, or simply to jot down thoughts. Writing helps clear mental clutter and brings awareness to your inner state.
Candlelit Meditation: As the light fades earlier in the day, embrace the darkness by lighting candles during your meditation or evening wind-down routine. The soft glow creates a cosy, calming atmosphere that invites reflection and peace.
Walks in Nature: Even if it’s chilly, bundle up and take a walk among the fallen leaves. Moving your body in nature helps you stay connected to the cycles of the earth, reminding you to slow down and breathe deeply.
Preparing for Winter: Transitioning with Ease
November is a natural bridge between the vibrant energy of fall and the stillness of winter. As we move toward the darker months, it’s important to prepare our homes and hearts for the season ahead. Transitioning with intention can help ease any discomfort that comes with change.
Here’s how you can prepare for the winter season:
Winter Nesting: There’s something wonderfully comforting about preparing your home for the colder months. Start by swapping out lighter linens for cosy blankets and heavier throws. Add texture to your space with chunky knit cushions, wool blankets or a soft rug by the fireplace. Creating Good Energy and Flow in Your Home
Winterize Your Skincare: As the air becomes colder and drier, your skin needs extra nourishment. Switch to richer moisturisers, incorporate oils into your routine, and don’t forget to hydrate from the inside with plenty of water and herbal teas.
Stock Your Pantry for Winter Comfort: As the cold sets in, it's the perfect time to stock your pantry with ingredients that lend themselves to warm, comforting meals. Have jars of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger on hand for cosy baking projects or warm drinks like chai tea and spiced hot chocolate. Staple Ingredients in My Pantry for Seasonal Living
Create a Winter Wellness Kit: As we move into the heart of the colder season, it's important to nourish your body and mind. Put together a little winter wellness kit that includes herbal teas, essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and natural remedies for colds, such as elderberry syrup or honey and lemon.
Final Thoughts
November invites us to live a little more softly, to savour the quiet moments, and to find joy in simplicity. It’s a time to wrap ourselves in warmth—both literally and figuratively—and to lean into the beauty of slow, seasonal living. So, grab your cosiest blanket, light a candle, and let this month be a season of comfort, connection, and quiet joy.
Let this seasonal living list serve as a gentle guide for the coming weeks. Take what resonates with you, and remember that each small step toward slow, intentional living is an act of self-care. Give yourself permission to pause, restore, and enjoy the slower pace. Wishing you a peaceful and cosy November, filled with warmth and reflection.
What are you looking forward to this November? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re embracing the season!
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