November To Do List: Fun & Easy Ways to Prepare

In this November to-do list, you’ll find a mix of practical home prep, seasonal activities, and little joys to enjoy the month. From small DIY projects to holiday planning, this guide will help you approach the cozy season with a bit of excitement. Let’s look at the enjoyable ways to make the month of November your best one yet!

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When November arrives, I always wonder where the time goes. Doesn’t it always feel like we have so much to do in November and December? 

It just takes a little organization, and we can reduce that stressful feeling as we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, fit in some family fun, and even check a few things off our to-do list.

Whether you’re getting your home ready for winter, starting early holiday prep, or simply enjoying some cozy, quiet moments, there are many ways to make November special.

November To-Do List

Creating a November to-do list doesn’t have to be boring. By including some organizing and fun ideas, you can easily reduce the stress of preparing for the upcoming season!

Things We Should Never Forget

• Daylight savings time ends (first Sunday of November), and clocks are set back by one hour.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Change the batteries at least twice a year.
• Remembrance Day is November 11th. Each year, it reminds me of soldiers, bravery, history, family, love, and memories, and I am proud to call my grandfathers both Poppy. I miss them every day, but more so on November 11th ❤️

Seasonal Self-Care and Personal Goals

November is the month to reconnect with yourself and set intentions for the coming winter months. Self-care is number one in any month. You want to nurture your body and mind first so you can enjoy the rest of the time each day. Here are some easy yet impactful ways to focus on self-care and personal growth this November:

• Daily Gratitude Journal: Start or revisit this practice. I do this every day and can’t explain how grounding it is. Take a look at my current gratitude journal. It is my favorite so far.

• Indoor Exercises: As the weather cools, it can be tempting not to move our bodies as much. Try finding exercises you can do indoors. Even stretching, yoga, or low-impact exercises will keep your body moving and energy up to reduce stress.

• Check-In on Annual Goals: November is a perfect time to reflect on any goals you set at the start of the year. Celebrate your achievements and refocus on areas you’d like to improve in the new year.

• Start a Creative Project: Whether knitting, baking, or a home DIY product, creative activities are a great way to relax and get into the seasonal spirit.

• Stock up on Vitamin D. There are many reputable brands, but I prefer Vitamin D 5000 by Gundry MD.

• Schedule a Holiday Mani/Pedi: Whether at your favorite spa or if you do it yourself, take some time to pamper your hands and feet for the season.

At Home To-Do List for November

Outdoor Yard and Garden Prep

As November arrives, proper preparation will help ensure your outdoor space remains beautiful and healthy throughout the colder months. Here are some tasks and tips to get your outdoor areas ready:

• Reflect on This Year’s Garden: If you have a garden, take some time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved in your garden this past year. Consider keeping a gardening journal to note successes, challenges, and areas to focus on next season.

• Clean and Sharpen Tools: Take time to clean your gardening tools. Remove any dirt and debris, sharpen blades to prepare for spring planting, and oil any metal parts to prevent rust.

• Check Equipment: My husband would tell you to thoroughly clean your lawn mower and other equipment and check for maintenance. He takes good care of the equipment, which makes everything last longer.

• Create a Cozy Outdoor Area: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, even in cooler months, you’ll love the idea of a cozy outdoor space with blankets, cushions, and a fire pit to gather with family and friends.

• Hang Holiday Lighting: Hang your holiday lights and decorate outdoors early to avoid the December rush.

• Feed the Birds: My husband started this, and we have so many pretty birds in our yard all year round. You may want to give this idea a try. 

Cozy Home Preparations

As we welcome the colder days of November, you can easily transform your home with cozy accents, making a big difference in how you feel. These simple prep ideas will help create a warm and inviting space for the season:

• Layer Lighting for Ambience: Use table lamps and candles to create a soft glow. Consider placing lights in different areas to create a cozy atmosphere in each room.

• Store Fall Decor: Take down Halloween and early fall decorations, giving your home a fresh slate for winter. Consider using storage bins labeled by season to make it easy for next year.

• Warm Beverages: Stock your pantry with teas, hot chocolate mixes, and coffee for cozy mornings and evenings. You might consider setting up a small hot beverage station with mugs, marshmallows, and seasonal flavors.

• Aromas and Scents: Bring comforting scents into your home. Use candles, essential oils, or wax warmers in scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pumpkin spice to add that extra touch of coziness.

• Organize the Fridge and Freezer: Clear out unnecessary items to make room for holiday meal prep.

• Deep-Clean the Oven: If your oven is a mess now, consider a deep clean before the holidays, as it will be working overtime for the next several weeks.  

Prepare a Winter Car Kit

Here’s a list of things to include in your winter kit. Since I travel a lot for work, it is a must, and I highly recommend it. 

• Shovel, ice scraper, and brush
• First aid kit
• Spare hat, gloves, hand warmers, socks and blanket
• Phone charger
• Multi-tool
• Flares
• Deicer
• Jumper Cables
• Flashlight and extra batteries

Holiday Planning Made Simple

As I mentioned, the start of the holiday season is just around the corner. There is no better time to organize a few things now to alleviate the stress that often comes with this busy time of year. Try breaking down holiday planning into manageable steps. Here are some essential tips for simplifying your holiday planning:

Thanksgiving Planning

If you are in the United States and are in the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, you can still use my Canadian Thanksgiving dinner ideas from last month’s Ultimate October to-do list. You will also enjoy these posts, which will help you during your holiday prep.

• 15 perfect Thanksgiving hostess gifts for any home
• 25 Best thanksgiving desserts with a unique twist

Get in the Holiday Spirit

• Create a Holiday Calendar: Start by jotting down dates for the holidays, including gatherings, parties, and special events. This will give you a visual overview of what’s coming up and help you prioritize your time.

• Set a Holiday Budget: Determining how much you can realistically spend on gifts, decorations, and food will help you avoid financial stress this time of year.

• Decide on Menus Early: Create a menu for your holiday meals and snacks well in advance.

• Make a Gift List: List everyone on your shopping list and jot down gift ideas for each person. Then, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anyone, and you get your thoughts on paper. 

• Shop Early: Consider starting your holiday shopping early to avoid the last-minute rush. Take advantage of Black Friday shopping to save money. Plus, shopping online can save time and help you find unique gifts that may not be available in-store.

• Wrap Gifts as You Go: To avoid the overwhelming task of wrapping all your gifts at once, wrap them as you purchase them. This is my mom’s tip to help her stay organized and have gifts ready to go.

• Choose a Theme: Selecting a theme can make decorating easier and more cohesive. Whether your Christmas decorations are classic, rustic, or modern, having a clear vision can help you decorate your home for the Christmas season. 

• Write Christmas Cards: I still enjoy sending old-fashioned Christmas cards in the mail. It is such a fun way to connect this time of year. Write your Christmas cards early so you can get them in the mail on the first of December. 

• Use What You Have: Look through your existing decorations to see what you can reuse or repurpose. Mixing old with new can create a fresh look without breaking the bank.

November Activities to Try Before Winter

If you are preparing a November to do list or bucket list, here are some fun activities to try this November:

• Shop for the Fall Season: Skip the grocery store and visit Farmers’ Markets in November. They are a great option for picking up seasonal goodies. You can look for root vegetables, squashes, apples, and other local produce. You can also find artisanal goods, jams, and honey to enjoy at home.

• Try a New Recipe: Make an apple pie, pumpkin pie, butternut squash soup, or roasted root vegetables. Experimenting with seasonal recipes can bring new flavors to your table, which can be so much fun.  

• Enjoy a Cozy Evening Outdoors: Plan an outdoor firepit get-together. Marshmallow season is not over yet, so grab some marshmallows for roasting, and don’t forget some hot chocolate to enjoy by the fire.

• Take a Drive Through the Countryside: If scenic routes are nearby, take a day trip and drive the countryside to admire the beauty this time of year. Although a lot of leaves have dropped in Atlantic Canada by now, some places can still enjoy the different shades of fall foliage.   

• Ice Skating Rinks: Once the cold sets in, the ice-skating rinks will be in full swing, so sharpen your skates and get ready to have fun. 

• Christmas Market: Where we live, the Christmas markets and fairs open in November, and there are full weekends of food and crafts. This is one of the best ways to support small businesses. 

Looking Forward to December

When November comes to a close, reflect on the month’s accomplishments and think about the festive spirit of December. This transition period not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons but also helps you prepare for the upcoming holiday festivities, winter break, and, of course, Santa Claus!

​When you think of things to do in November, which tasks or activities do you have on your list this month?  Leave a comment and share yours.

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