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These November reflections are part of the Seasonal Reflections series — a year-long practice of living with the rhythm of nature.

When you ask people about their favourite month, only a few will say November. Too dull, too quiet – that’s the public opinion. Let me show you what November has in store for us and why sometimes it’s cool to be dull.

After the whole back-to-school excitement of September and the preserving frenzy in October, November brings us a well-deserved break. And honestly, I’m grateful for that little breather which comes just in time before the holiday rush sets in.

In the Catholic parts of Germany, we celebrate “Allerheiligen” (All Saints’ Day) on November 1, a day when we commemorate all the saints. The day after is “Allerseelen” (All Souls’ Day), when we commemorate the dead. As only Allerheiligen is a public holiday, we here in Bavarian Swabia attend Mass in the afternoon and afterwards gather at the family graves, thus combining both holidays. When church is over, we head home for coffee and an Allerseelen-pretzel, a large pretzel-shaped sweet treat made from yeast dough. This pastry is a tradition here in Bavarian Swabia and used to be a gift for godchildren.

Allerheiligen is one of several “quiet holidays” in Bavaria, intended as a time of silence and reflection. In my opinion, it sets the mood pretty well for November.

Another important celebration in November is St. Martin’s Day on November 11, when children attend a Martin’s Day parade with homemade lanterns. The parade usually ends in the churchyard where the story of Saint Martin is performed. Afterwards, there’s hot fruit punch and something to eat, usually “Martin’s geese“, another pastry made from sweet dough. With all the songs and the sea of lanterns, Saint Martin’s Day for me is a little foretaste of Advent.

Nature in November

October brought us the most magnificent opulence: golden and crimson leaves, trees shedding their last fruits and nuts, vibrantly blooming chrysanthemums and Michaelmas daisies. In November, this opulence comes to an end.

The colourful autumn leaves are only one rainstorm away from being swept to the ground, and by the end of the month, the trees will mostly be bare. The air gets crisper now and smells of frost, decaying leaves and wood smoke.

Sometimes, it’s almost quiet outdoors, as if Nature held its breath; sometimes, autumn winds dance furiously around the house, screeching and howling like they didn’t get the memo that Halloween is over.

The beauty of falling leaves makes room for the beauty of bare branches. If anything, November teaches us how to let go gracefully of what no longer belongs to us.

November Garden Tasks

My garden is also resting now, and I want to make sure it is protected from harsh temperatures by a thick layer of mulch. I usually rake all the leaves together that the trees and shrubs surrounding my garden have shed. Leaves are not too heavy, and I can spread them thickly on the beds. I usually throw some branches and dry grass clippings on top so that they don’t get swept away in a storm.

If you have spinach or winter lettuce out in the beds, cover them with a fleece to protect them from light frosts.

Let the water out of rain barrels before the first frost. Otherwise, the barrels (or other containers) could burst due to the expanding water. A few years ago, I thought I could leave a bucket full of water outdoors during winter. When water expands, it will do so in the path of least resistance, that is, upwards, I thought. Turned out I was wrong, and the bucket broke. Since then, I take extra care to remove water from any container.

November in the Kitchen and At Home

There are still some fruits and vegetables we can preserve now, but the stream of abundance has come to a trickle. I love making sweet-sour pumpkin pickles that will be a great side dish for Christmas dinner. I also dry apple and pear slices now, which I will use to bake “Kletzenbrot” (dried fruit bread).

Now that the days have become so short, I love spending more time in the kitchen. While in summer I just tossed together what I found and called it a meal, I now enjoy preparing more substantial dishes like hearty stews and soups that take their time simmering. Is there anything better than coming in from the cold to a bowl of hot soup and a slice of fresh sourdough bread? Not in my November world.

Although it’s still autumn (albeit late autumn), Christmas is waving at us from afar. That’s why I start making those Christmas treats that need some time to mature now. One of those is the Kletzenbrot I mentioned earlier, a sweet fruit bread that in former days was a nourishing staple in many households and needs a few weeks to mature. Another is my favourite Christmas dessert: traditional Christmas pudding, which is best made in early November as it needs time to mature and soak up lots of brandy. Or apple juice. But I like it best with booze. 😁

Which brings me to self-care…

November Self-Care

Self-Care for Body…

I know I’m repeating myself throughout this whole reflections series, but no matter the weather, I warmly recommend getting out for at least a short, brisk walk. The natural light, no matter how dim or foggy, will do us good.

And remember? We’ll be coming home to that simmering pot of stew or soup (or a Saint Martin’s goose). So, everything’s fine.

… For Mind…

With November feeling so restful, I enjoy challenging my mind a bit more. Whether it’s knitting a more complex pattern (I’m not a good knitter, so “complex” for me means everything that doesn’t involve only knit and purl stitches) or reading up on challenging topics (I’m still reading that book about koji I began in October), now is a wonderful time to do so.

… and for Soul

I love relaxing on the sofa now, wrapped up in a thick blanket, with a good book or my knitting needles and maybe a mug of hot cocoa or flavoured coffee. A few candles here and there and the cosy atmosphere is ready. Simply marvellous!

On the other hand, I love meeting with people now. To be frank, I’m more of an introvert and social gatherings can drain me, especially when there are too many people. But meeting with friends for a coffee or inviting some people over to eat that stew and talk and laugh can lift any blue mood.

I also enjoy attending concerts again now. Admittedly, it can take some effort to get up and out, especially when it’s cold and already dark, but I’m always glad when I sit in the auditorium and bathe in good music.

Draw a deep breath

November grants us a short break between the last harvest and preparations for Christmas. Instead of complaining about the quiet and dullness, I like to take it as a gift from Nature that allows us to gather our spirits for the last weeks of the year.

Let’s lean back and enjoy the quietness of November for now.