November
November is… crunching your feet on the first frost, hearty casseroles, being thankful, the flutterings of bright lights and bonfires, reading in front of a roaring fire and misty mornings.
Dates for your diary: Stir-up Sunday (26th). On the final Sunday of November tradition dictates that it's time to make your Christmas pudding, making sure to give everyone in the family a chance to stir the mixture and make a wish. Head over here for a foolproof recipe.
Things to do at home and in the garden:
- Unearth your slow cooker and try this sausage and bean casserole, or go veggie and opt for this vegetable stew with dumplings.
- Plant some bulbs for the spring. Daffodils, snowdrops or tulips are easiest.
- Turn off the lights and burn a few beeswax candles instead.
Be creative: Although you can buy advent calendars for pennies, I always think it's much more exciting to make your own. My sister and I used to make each other a calendar each year, and would make little gifts for each day; it took us forever to construct but it gave us so much joy each December morning that it was completely worth it.