November buried October’s flamboyant reds and yellows on Halloween night beneath the feet of ghosts and ghouls who prowled their streets. Muted grays and browns greeted the All Saints’ Day sunrise.  A few oaks stubbornly hold their faded russet leaves while Norway Maples still drip gold onto the driveway. Along the road, the flaming sumacs retain a few tattered remnants of their bright red pennants but softer hues predominate.

November days hold a peacefulness, a gentle mediocrity to cushion December’s rising tension. I always leave the pumpkins and cornstalks up until Thanksgiving. “Take a break,” they seem to say. Enjoy the last few sunny days before winter’s  wrath is released upon us, before we are buried in December snow and holiday preparations. Relish one last visit to the porch swing, mug of tea in hand, and bundled in a sweater. One last evening by  the fire before the mantel is encrusted in pine and holly.

There is something almost holy about November. A tranquility that seeps inside our souls if we let it. Relax and enjoy its muted tones, its gatherings of friends and family without presents and trees, just good food and conversation. Take time to be thankful. Take time to breathe. Cherish this month that provides a buffer against the busyness of the coming holidays. Enjoy November.