It's hard to believe it's already November and that the new year is just around the corner . . . time sure does fly when you're navigating the beautiful chaos of family life. The days are cooling off - well some days anyway. As we get closer to winter the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker earlier. There is much for your family to celebrate and honor this month. It's a time to give gratitude, be thankful, celebrate life, embrace and learn about different cultures and history . . . and lets not forget it's also time to turn back the clocks!
Here are 10+ heartwarming holidays, events and remembrances your family can celebrate, embrace and honor this November
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Diwali
October 29 - November 3, 2024
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights is the biggest and most important religious holiday celebrated in India, it also coincides with the Indian New Year. It's observed for 5 days sometime between October and November depending when it falls on the Indian Calendar. Typically families will gather on day three as that's when the major festivities take place. Sharing food and sweets with family and friends is an integral aspect of Diwali. See below to make delicious sweet carrot pudding that is like the Indian version of carrot cake. Yum!
Learn more about this festive holiday:
- 7+ Kids' Books Celebrating Diwali - Build Your Family's Bookshelf
- Learning About Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Unity
- Celebrating the Indian New Year With Delicious Recipesπͺ
- Make Your Own Diwali Candles With This DIY Diya Craft from PBS Kids
- Learn more about the different days to celebrate Diwali
- More about Diwali
Where to find Indian Food in Conejo Valley and Nearby:
- Bollywood Indian Restaurant - Westlake Village | (805) 777-7100 - 100% Halal
- Anarbagh - Westlake Village | (818) 991-2128
- Lal Mirch - Agoura Hills | (818) 532-7532
- 21 biryani pots - Agoura Hills | (818) 532-7188
- Garden India - Thousand Oaks | (805) 379-5242 - Restaurant & Grocery
- Namaste Spiceland - Thousand Oaks | (805) 373-6761 - Veg. & Vegan Food + Grocery
- Saffron - Newbury Park | (805) 499-7115
- Shalimar Cuisine of India - Woodland Hills | (818) 225-7794
- Bollywood Indian Kitchen - Simi Valley | (805) 791-3535
Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas calendar for local community celebrations.
cyberniadesign from Getty Images via Canva |
Día de los Muertos
November 1st and 2nd
Originating in Mexico and now celebrated across the U.S., Día de los Muertos, or the "Day of the Dead," is a vibrant holiday dedicated to honoring departed loved ones. Explore the rich and meaningful traditions of this festival, including the creation of elaborate ofrendas or altars adorned with photos, mementos, and marigold flowers. It is believed that these offerings entice the spirits of the deceased to return and partake in the festivities. This lively celebration, complete with music, food, and joyous gatherings, provides a poignant opportunity for people to reminisce and celebrate the lives of those who have passed, fostering a profound connection between the living and the departed.
For an engaging and enlightening experience, gather your family and embark on a magical journey through the animated wonders of Disney Pixar's "Coco." Let the colorful visuals and touching storyline help your children grasp the profound significance of this inspiring holiday, fostering understanding and appreciation for this beautiful Mexican heritage.
Publishers Note: Although this holiday is only two days you'll find the celebrating starts early and ends after the holiday especially when it lands on a weekday
- Día de los Muertos: 5 Day of the Dead Traditions Explained
- Día de los Muertos: Family-Fun Ways to Celebrate! β¨π
Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event calendar for Día de los Muertos activities.
Ventura County Farm Day
November 2nd
Now in its twelfth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, self-guided farm tours to "Meet All the Hands That Feed You." Visitors can use an online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat. Over 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. Read more here:
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The End of Daylight Saving Time
Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 am
It's going to start getting darker much earlier now, but for those like hubby who wake up super early you might wake to a brighter day. Not everyone looks forward to this change. I prefer when it's lighter longer in the evening, while others "yes mom, I mean you" prefer to wake up with the sun. Enjoy this one day with an extra hour of blissful, uninterrupted sleep if you can, lol! Not so easy with kids depending on their age. For some this change can cause a disruption to sleep patterns, give it some time. Read tips from a sleep consultant on how to help your kids adjust
RichVintage from Getty Images Signature |
Election Day 2024
Tuesday, November 5th
Gone are the days when voting meant showing up at the polls on just one day – now, we have multiple ways and days to make our voices heard! If you're eligible, voting is a key way to fulfill your civic duty. While the spotlight often shines on the big races, it's the local elections that can make an even greater difference in our communities.
Please Note: Ballot drop-off locations open Oct. 8th and in-person voting begins October 26th
You already know how crucial voting is, but it's also a perfect opportunity to teach your kids about democracy. Take them with you to the polling station or involve them in discussions about voting at home. When my boys were younger, I always took them with me to vote. It helped them see how meaningful it is to have the right to vote, a right not everyone in our country had not so long ago. Election Day is a great chance to show your family the value of this privilege and engage them in conversations about history, fairness, and making a difference.
Voting Historic timeline:
- 1869 - African American men gained the right to vote
- 1920 - Women won the right to vote
- 1924 - Native Americans born in the U.S. granted the right to vote
- 1965 - Congress passed the Voting Rights Act
- 1971 - Voting age lowered from 21 to 18
Learn more:
- Why I Vote: Parents Share Their Stories and Inspire Future Voters
- Voting Rights Milestones in America: A Timeline
- Timeline - Important Dates in the Voting History of the United States
Election Resources:
- California Secretary of State
- California: Official Voter Information Guide
- Ventura County: Voter Information Guide | Election Information
- Los Angeles County: Registrar of Voters | Election and voting info
- Ballotpedia: A digital encyclopedia of American politics - unbiased information on elections, politics, and policy
Remembering the Borderline 12
November 7th
View the Borderline Memorial Sculpture at 700 Paige Lane, Thousand Oaks.
- Check back for this years events
Please note this event is for 18+
Prayers to the friends and families of the 12 lives lost:
- Sean Adler
- Cody Coffman
- Blake Dingman
- Jacob Dunham
- Ron Helus
- Alaina Housley
- Dan Manrique
- Justin Meek
- Mark Meza Jr.
- Kristina Morisette
- Telemachus Orfanos
- Noel Sparks
Video: PBS News - Remembering the 12 lives cut short in the Thousand Oaks shooting
Kids working on a science project by miodrag ingnjatovic from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
STEM / STEAM Day
November 8th
Celebrate Science - technology - engineering - math - art also known as STEM / STEAM. It's a great excuse to encourage your kids to explore the sciences.
Craig Adderly from Pixels via Canva |
Veterans Day
November 11th
Take a moment to honor and celebrate a veteran in your life. Encourage your kids write a letter, draw a picture of thanks, or interview them about their experiences. Teach your chidren to always say "thank you for your service" when encountering a veteran, I run into people all the time wearing baseball caps that indicate they are veterans. Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week, unlike other holidays that are typically celebrated on a Monday.
More ideas to celebrate veterans:
- Teach Your Children About the Importance of Veterans Day!
- What Children Can Learn About Service from Veterans
- 4 Ways You Family Can say Thank You to Veterans, November 11th β€οΈπ€π
- 5 Ways You Family Can say Thank You to Veterans, November 11th β€οΈπ€π
- Support active military: For the Troops ~ Simi Valley is an all-volunteer run, local Simi Valley non-profit organization dedicated to providing members of the American military with “We Care” packages containing basic necessities, goodies, games and most of all, a show of support. If you want to donate other needed items including your leftover Halloween candy here is their "wish list." Please know they are in need of and accept donations year round, including candy. Here is more information and letter writing guidelines here.
Local Events:
- π«‘ A Salute to Our Veterans: Stagecoach Inn Museum - Newbury ParkNovember 9, 2024
- ποΈ Celebrate Veterans Day - Simi ValleyNovember 11, 2024
Check the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event calendar for Veterans Day events
RgStudio from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
National Recycling Day | America Recycles Day
November 15
Talk to your family, ask your kids for ideas for ways you can do more to recycle, reduce and reuse. It's a chance to raise eco-conscious kids and create a greener future. The recycling rate increased from less than 7 percent in 1960 to 32 percent in 2019 - according to the EPA.
- 5 Ways To Reduce, Reuse and Recycle + Conejo Valley Donation Options
- KID Craft: Making Animals and More Out Of Recycled Objects
Sabrina_Ripke_Fotografie from pixabay via Canva |
Thanksgiving
November 28th
Thanksgiving can be a time for gratitude, feasting, and cherishing moments with your family. Reflect on your blessings and create lasting memories around the dinner table. It's truly the mother of all American holidays! Always on a Thursday this is a time to gather with family and friend, enjoy a meal and be grateful for all we have.
Thanksgiving with Kids - Everything you need to Celebrate with Family
- Free Thanksgiving Printable Will Keep Kids Busy on Turkey Day
- 6 Things You Didn't Know About the First American Thanksgiving
- Easy Corn Casserole Is a Savory Thanksgiving Side Dish
- Macaroni Kid Cooks - Pumpkin, Turkey and Thanksgiving Recipes We Love!
- Three Stuffing Recipes That Will Make Them Ask For Seconds
- Macaroni Kid Crafts - Three NEW Thanksgiving Traditions For Families
- Turkey Cookies are a Feast of Fun for Kids This Thanksgiving
- Making Mini Pumpkin Pies is Easy as ...
- Who Needs Pie When You Have a Tasty Pumpkin Torte
- π Pumpkin Recipe Guide: the Ultimate Family-Friendly Collection π©π³
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Small Business Saturday
November 30th
We love supporting local businesses all year long and hope you do too! Small Business Saturday provides a dedicated day for this. While you embark on your everyday or holiday shopping, consider shopping small and supporting the businesses that make your community unique. This is good habit to continue throughout the year.
Month Long Observances
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Native American Heritage Month
This month provides an excellent opportunity for your family to delve into the rich history and culture of the indigenous people native to our community. Learn all about the Chumash and Tongva / Gabrielino people who lived here in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu and nearby long before most of us. Additionally Native American Heritage Day is the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Learn more and teach your children about the other Native people and cultures who were here before us all across our great nation and other countries, start here: Native-Land.ca is an indigenous-led tool that maps out indigenous territories, treaties, and languages throughout the world.
- Find out more about researching Native Americans
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Mapping Indigenous LA
- Voices of L.A. Nature: An Interview with Alan Salazar
- Voices of L.A. Nature: An Interview with Heidi Harper Lucero
Video: People Facing the Sun: The History of the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians - Learn about the first peoples of Northern Los Angeles County, including their language, culture, history, and more from Tribal President Rudy Ortega Jr.
Local places to go where you can learn more about Native Americans:
- Native American Heritage children's and teen fiction and picture books available at the Ventura County Library
- Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks
- Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park
- Wishtoyo Chumash Village in Malibu - by appointment only
- Autry National Center in Los Angeles
- Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center - Coming in 2023
National Adoption Month
Did you know that as of September 30, 2022, there were nearly 109,000 children and youth waiting to be adopted who were at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections - data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. If you've ever considered adoption, take some time this November to explore the possibility more in-depth for your family. Research the adoption process in your area, and consider whether this loving act might be the right choice for your family's future.
Local Foster Care Agency:
- The Mark & Jacob Foster Care Ministry: Connecting kids deserving of love and compassion with Ventura County residents willing to open their homes while supporting foster and respite parents, connecting them to resources, education, and more to help them on their journey to open their homes to children in need.
November 23rd is National Adoption Day - Saturday prior to Thanksgiving
- National Adoption Month: One Family's Journey
- One Family's Journey to Adoption
- 10 Things I Wish I'd Known About the Adoption Process
National Diabetes Awareness Month
This is a time to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on managing diabetes by building your health care team. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancer. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Here are some tips to help you manage diabetes.
Transgender Awareness Week
People and organizations around the country will participate in Transgender awareness week, November 13 - 19. This week of awareness comes one week prior to Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20. This is a day which honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence this year.
π Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas covers the towns of: Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oak, Newbury Park and Malibu. I will also include worthwhile information, events and activities, classes, fundraisers and other happening in the nearby communities of Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, San Fernando Valley, greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
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