November is the month that ushers in the holiday season, with days becoming shorter and nights getting longer. A refreshing breeze carries around this time of year as well, which I find makes it one of my favorite months! What’s not to love? After all, November culminates with a delicious feast surrounded by ones you hold dear. But before we break out our elastic-waist pants for Thanksgiving dinner there are plenty of preparations to be made to fully enjoy the festivities ahead! November means the holiday season is upon us at last. The days are officially getting shorter (thank you, daylight saving time), the nights longer, and the wind brisker. It’s one of my favorite months because, hey, it ends with feasting and family time. Luckily there are plenty of things to check off before breaking out the elastic-waist pants.

1. Go vote on Election Day (Nov. 4).

Find a polling station near you and go vote! In the U.S., only about 40% of the eligible population votes during midterm elections. Every vote counts, especially when it comes to states where the race is tight. Not sure what all the hype is about? Check out this midterm election guide from The Skimm.

2. Thank a veteran on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11).

Military veterans have fought to defend our country, so make a special effort to recognize them on Veteran’s Day. Give your grandpa a call, send flowers to your uncle, or knock on your neighbor’s door to say thanks. If you’re in the tri-state area, stop by the annual Veteran’s Day Parade, which marches up 5th Avenue. Explore various fun things to do in November and celebrate the month with gratitude and festivity.

[Related: Levo Q&A: Lea Gabrielle, FOX News Correspondent and Former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot]

3. Reread Feminist Ryan Gosling on his birthday (Nov. 12).

Hey girl. The world’s most attractive feminist (in our humble opinion) turns 34 this month. Celebrate by scrolling back through the world’s best blog, or by picking up a copy of Feminist Ryan Gosling for your coffee table. Explore our curated November Checklist for exciting and enjoyable activities throughout the month.

4. Celebrate Condoleezza Rice’s birthday (Nov. 14).

Send some good vibes Condoleezza Rice’s way as she celebrates her 60th birthday. In case you’re unfamiliar, Rice is a major superwoman—she was the first female African-American secretary of state and the first-ever woman to serve as National Security Advisor. Channel your inner Condi today and make some november month activities power moves.

5. Give back on National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 15).

November is a month of introspection, and there’s no better way to give back than philanthropy. Donate part of your paycheck to an organization that’s meaningful to you, donate your skills to a good cause, or donate your time by volunteering for a day. It’s easy to give back to your community once you find a method that works for you, whether it’s participating in November event ideas or any other form of charitable activity.

6. Get your bow and arrows ready for the Hunger Games: Mockingjay premiere (Nov. 21).

November activities are abundant this month, and one exciting option is catching the release of Mockingjay in theaters. Granted, it’s only part one of two (what’s with the split-release trend?), but the film’s mega-intense trailers are already garnering hype. Get ready for a slew of new characters (Julianne Moore as President Coin, Jena Malone as Johanna Mason, and Natalie Dormer as Cressida, to name a few) and for sky-high box office sales. May the odds be ever in your favor.

7. Give thanks for elastic-waist pants on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Visit your loved ones, snuggle up by the fire, and pop the turkey in the oven. Thanksgiving is finally here, so embrace the good cheer and turkey coma that’s sure to envelop you.

8. Shop ‘til you drop on Black Friday (Nov. 28).

November month activities are in full swing! Black Friday started earlier every year, but this year some sales are already happening. Retailers are relying on low prices to up consumer spending, so do your part to stimulate the economy and get out there Friday morning. If you’re not into the 3 a.m. elbow-jamming Macy’s madness, sit back and wait until Cyber Monday to get your shopping done.

9. Crank out a bestseller during National Novel Writing Month (all month).

National Novel Writing Month (November Checklist), casually referred to as NatNoWriMo, is all about stopping procrastination in its tracks. The movement’s handy website offers help, support, and motivation to aspiring novelists. If you’ve been sitting on a bestseller, now is the time to chip away at it by writing a little bit every day.

10. Give a shout-out to people and companies that are #Good4Her (all month).

Throughout November, Levo will be celebrating individuals, companies, and anyone who is supporting women and girls everywhere. Use our hashtag #Good4Her to share your nominations. They might be featured on our site!

Photo: Thinkstock

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