Though many, like myself, are mourning the gradual loss of fall, it is important to remember that we are entering the best part of winter — and we’d better enjoy it before the endless cycle of slush and storms begins in February.
I’m sad to say that October’s lead-up to Halloween is over now. November has always felt like an in-between month, a time of stress sandwiched between the excitement of a fresh fall reading week and a cozy Christmas break. However, to mitigate this depressing outlook, I have learned to embrace November and appreciate it for what only it can offer.
One of my favourite things about this month is that it marks the beginning of twomonths’ worth of hype for the holiday season. Though the argument of whether it is socially acceptable to begin celebrating Christmas on Nov. 1 has been divisive online, there is no doubt that, on my corners of the internet at least, my algorithm has already begun sending me videos of people beginning to decorate their houses for the festive season soundtracked by Mariah Carey defrosting to exclaim that “it’s tiiiiiime” for Christmas.
Whether people like it or not, seasonal festivities will begin very early in the month: cafes will begin serving lattes flavoured with peppermint, gingerbread and hazelnut; holiday markets will undoubtedly pop up every weekend and strings of lights will start to line neighbourhood houses.
Though it is fun to engage in winter festivities when the holiday is truly upon us, December weather can throw a wrench in how much you enjoy the countless outdoor holiday markets that will appear all over the region.
December temperature averages are between three degrees to negative one degree Celsius. Speaking from experience, it is a bit harder to enjoy a nighttime holiday market or a Christmas light walkthrough display when the sharp wind is numbing your nose and you’re constantly screening for a firepit or portable heater to take refuge around. Unfortunately, many outdoor winter events are decorated with the most beautiful lights and décor that come alive at night but for many, whipping winds and freezing temperatures make it hard to enjoy such displays.
In contrast, November’s weather is really not that bad. Though November temperature averages span the single digits here in Niagara, we most likely have yet to see the worst of winter during this time of year — the dreadful snowy windstorms, slush and freezing rain. Luckily, much due to the very divisive fact that festive hype starts two months early, November can be an opportunity to get your fill of festive markets, displays and seasonal events before the temperature undergoes a big drop by the time we reach mid-December.
Though November is an incredibly busy time for students, factoring in time to unplug, destress and have fun is just as important as scheduling productive time. Pre-planning trips to winter events is the perfect opportunity to step away from schoolwork for a few hours as we reach the final hurdle of exams and essays.
On the topic of school, one of the best parts of November that I have learned to appreciate is that looking forward to the holiday break is incredibly motivating while navigating end of term stressors. Even though the end of the winter term brings a four-month break, I have always been far more excited for a couple weeks off during the festive season at the end of the fall term.
For me, the December to January break is inherently interlaced with festive nostalgia, coziness and warmth in the most metaphorical sense. As someone who is generally not nostalgic towards childhood, Christmastime serves as the one exception where I relish in nostalgia, feeling childlike as I help my father choose a Christmas tree to cut down for his house, inevitably mess up a festive baking recipe and excitedly make gifts for my loved ones.
The exciting thing for me about embracing the holiday season as an adult is that I can make my own memorable traditions every year. Last year, I spent the entire holiday break wrapping presents and binge-watching Twin Peaks, and despite the show’s unsettling content, I have now made it a wintertime tradition as I start another re-watch to ramp up for the festive season.
As we enter this stressful month, these are the things that motivate me through the worry and into the winter break.
Sure, the deep-December winter season is exciting, but I don’t see a reason why festivities should be confined to the break, especially when some fun is exactly what students could use right about now.
So, as we navigate the stretch to finals, don’t discount November as merely a transitionary time of stress. Despite the trials university presents us with this month, November is a great time to get out and enjoy seasonal festivities before we truly feel the wrath of Canadian winter.