LexTalk

November Photo & Writing Challenge | Day 1: November Calendar

Well, hello, November!

A new month, a fresh calendar, and another opportunity to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find something worth looking forward to.

After completing my October Photo & Writing Challenge, I decided to keep the creativity flowing into November. And what better way to kick things off than by looking at the calendar and thinking about everything this month has in store?

November has always been a special month for me. Between my dad’s birthday and Thanksgiving, there’s plenty to celebrate, but there’s also a little nostalgia mixed in.

A Month Worth Celebrating

First up, November is my dad’s birthday month!

His birthday falls close to Thanksgiving, so this time of year has always felt like a season of celebration. Even though we live far apart now, it’s still a special occasion I look forward to acknowledging.

And then, of course, there’s Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving: Food, Football & Family

I’ve always enjoyed Thanksgiving.

I love the food, the preparation, and being part of the cooking process. There’s something comforting about a kitchen full of delicious smells, people preparing their favorite dishes, and everyone coming together for a meal.

But believe it or not, the food isn’t even my favorite part!

One of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving traditions has always been watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Growing up, it was something my mom and I watched together every year. The giant balloons, the performances, the festive atmosphere… it was just part of what made Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving.

And even though I still look forward to watching it, it’s bittersweet now.

My mom is no longer here to share that tradition with me, and I miss those moments more than words can explain.

It’s funny how something as simple as watching a parade can hold so many memories.

Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without football!

I’m a Detroit Lions fan, and since they play every Thanksgiving, watching the game has always been another tradition to look forward to.

So between the parade, the football, and the food, Thanksgiving has always been one of those holidays that brings me comfort.

When Traditions Begin to Change

As I’ve gotten older, Thanksgiving has changed quite a bit.

Living far away from family and friends means the holidays don’t always look or feel the way they once did.

There are people I miss, traditions I wish I could revisit, and moments that I sometimes wish I could experience just one more time.

And I think that’s something many of us can relate to.

The holidays can be wonderful, but they can also remind us of the people and places we wish were a little closer.

Since getting married, I’ve been learning and adjusting to my husband’s family traditions. It’s different from what I grew up with, but I’m grateful to be included and to have people to celebrate with.

I’m learning that creating new memories doesn’t mean forgetting the old ones.

It simply means making room for both.

What I’m Looking Forward to This November

This month, I’m looking forward to celebrating my dad, enjoying Thanksgiving, watching my favorite parade, cheering on the Lions, and continuing to create memories with the people around me.

I’m also looking forward to another month of writing, photography, and sharing little pieces of my life through LexTalk.

If October taught me anything, it’s that sometimes the simplest prompts can bring out the most meaningful stories.

And maybe that’s what November is really about for me.

Being thankful for the memories I’ve made, the people I’ve loved, and the new traditions I’m still creating.

Here’s to a November filled with gratitude, good food, cherished memories, and a little bit of magic.

Your Turn!

What are you looking forward to this November? Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition, or one that reminds you of someone special?

I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Until next time, keep creating the magic!

— LexTalk