Noteworthy in November

In November, the United States not only celebrates Thanksgiving, but also observes the end of Daylight Saving Time, Armistice Day (Veterans’ Day), and Native American Heritage Month. Dr. Hans Duvefelt shares his experiences of his first Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, the Tradition of Giving Tuesday encourages acts of generosity and shared humanity, aiming to bridge societal gaps in wealth.

There is a new version of this post at November Dates and Days.

Say “November”, and we in the United States think of Thanksgiving. Yes, for the abundant and delicious food we consume, but mostly because it’s a time spent with family, often ones we don’t see every day.

But for some, it’s a new experience in a new country. Or it’s a lonely day, or a day to grieve for what’s lost.

Dr. Hans Duvevelt immigrated to the United States from Sweden and writes a blog, “A Country Doctor Writes”. One year he wrote about his first Thanksgiving in Maine and I invite you to read it, just click on the title.

Another Thanksgiving Reflection

Daylight Saving Time ends

If you don’t like changing from standard time to daylight saving time in the spring, you will welcome the change back in the fall. We used to change in October but a few years ago it was extended to the first Sunday in November, which in 2023 is November 5.

Will we ever quit changing to DLST? Or will we ever change and just leave it that way? Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, if the change messes with your sleep, this post offers help to adjust quickly.

Sleep Practices for Restful Nights

In this post I review options to improve our sleep. Daylight Saving Time can disrupt sleep, akin to jet lag. Chronic insomnia involves difficulty sleeping regularly, potentially linked to medical conditions. Treatment begins with addressing underlying issues and adopting sleep hygiene practices, such as exercise and routine. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is effective…

Keep reading

Armistice Day

Maybe you’ve never heard of this day. It’s become more of a historical term for the end of World War I, said to have ended “at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918. Many countries observe it in various ways. In the United Kingdom it’s called Remembrance Day. In the United States, we mark it as Veterans’ Day, where we honor those who have served in the military in all wars and peacetime.

Honoring Our Veterans 

Veterans Day on November 11 honors those who served in the U.S. armed forces. The Veterans Administration supports veterans through health care, education, and research. Personal stories highlight the ongoing impact of veterans, including therapeutic relationships with pets and reflections from veterans of past conflicts, emphasizing resilience and community connection.

Keep reading

Native American Heritage Month

The Thanksgiving holiday mostly celebrates the immigration of Europeans to the North American continent. Native American Heritage Month, and day, November 24, recognizes the people who were already here.

It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation….we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.

We celebrate Indian Country with its remarkable diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures and peoples while remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our Nation.

U.S. Department of the InteriorIndian Affairs

The Rich History of Watercress in Native American Culture

In 1889, the Locvpokv Muscogee Creeks established the village of Talasi near the Arkansas River, later called Tulsa. The Council Oak remains a cultural landmark, where Native Americans hold ceremonies. This article explores watercress and its culinary uses, highlighting its significance to local indigenous communities and the environment.

Keep reading

Giving Tuesday

It started with Black Friday. Then Small Business Saturday was added, as well as Cyber Monday. All for the purpose of consumers spending money so retailers can be profitable.

And that’s good, we need a strong economy. But some parts of our society can fall through the cracks of that economy. While some of us may be doing well financially, not everyone is. And that’s where Giving Tuesday bridges the gap.

Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.

Join the GivingTuesday movement and reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and radical generosity.

GIVING TUESDAY

In 2023, Giving Tuesday is November 28, but you don’t have to wait or limit giving to that day. Generosity is a habit worth cultivating year-round.

Exploring the HEART of health in November

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a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

Changing How You Think About Life and Death

In this post I explain the days following Halloween that remember saints and other deceased perso. This can be a chance to reflect on and prepare for our own mortality.

Updated November 10, 2025-Originally titled November’s Timely Topic

We observe Halloween as its own holiday, but it is also the “eve” of another observance.

Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, it introduces the onset of Christian religious observances remembering deceased persons.

  • All Saints Day is a Christian holiday honoring Saints who have passed on to the afterlife usually observed on November 1st.
  • All Souls’ Day, in Roman Catholicism, a day for the commemoration of all the faithful departed, usually on November 2.
  • Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons), also on November 1 and 2.

Whether you observe any of these, death is a topic that has or will touch all of us and our families. I have written these blog posts that help make that life transition smoother.

Dying with Ease- a book review

Dr. Spiess doesn’t suggest that confronted with terminal illness we refuse treatment and give up. He advocates thinking about and planning for the dying process long before we develop an illness that might be fatal.

Keep reading

For personal reflection

Who do you know who is facing death soon? What are you learning from observing their experience?

How are you preparing for your own death, whether imminent or unknown? How does considering this affect the way you are living now?

Exploring the HEART of health, life, and death

I hope you don’t need to read any of these books now, but the reality is many of you do, or will eventually. People I know who have faced death with peace and confidence fare much better, as do their families. Be knowledgeable and prepared for your sake and for theirs.

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

stethoscope with a heart

Dr. Aletha