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 Figure 1 -- Family Gathering Around Thanksgiving Table in Gratitude
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more." - Melody Beattie
In This Issue:
Quick Highlights This Month
🎉 BESTSELLER SUCCESS: Three of four books launched between September and October hit bestseller status
📚 SALES VICTORY: Marketing drove 2,308+ copies sold across three campaigns
🍬 HALLOWEEN: 40 treat bags to trick-or-treaters, bulk buying saves $200, vampire jokes, and more
🏛️ GOVERNMENT CHAOS: Shutdown and RIF continue through the holidays
❤️ RETIREMENT COUNTDOWN: 14 – 38 months (Jan 2027-Jan 2029)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
· From the Heart: Gratitude & Bestsellers
· The Marketing Winners
· Happiness Hack #16: Gratitude Jar
· Literary Giants: November Authors
· November Activities & Resources
· Wellness: Navigating Uncertainty
· Cultural Celebrations & Observances
From the Heart: November's Harvest of Gratitude and Bestsellers
"November is that awkward month where Mother Nature can't decide if she wants to give us a warm hug or a cold shoulder." – Anonymous
"Indian Summer" is like that—an unexpected warm November day that pops up to share one last taste of autumn's warmth before winter's grip.
November comes from the Latin 'novem,' meaning 'nine'; it was originally the ninth month before January and February crashed the calendar party and pushed it to eleventh position. But November kept its original name anyway, like someone you knew in high school or college twenty years ago who kept the same email address.
"Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise." – Gladys Taber
And as I get older, some random bits of information get harder to remember, but what I can't forget is the gratitude for this journey. November is a time of reflection, and after all that preparation since August 2024—illustrations created marketing logistics sorted, bestseller strategies executed—I'm grateful every strategy worked.
October exceeded every expectation. Real success goes beyond Amazon rankings and bestseller status, as amazing as that is. It manifests in how readers connect with the stories and recognize the deeper themes.
I especially appreciate readers like Susu, who gave five stars and wrote: It is an adventure book about dust bunnies and a kid who learned about each other and became friends... I liked it because it discusses tolerance and coexistence.
That's the entire "I am enough" mission in one five-star review: showing children that understanding and friendship can grow from the most unexpected places.
As you read this newsletter, I want you to think about something: What's one thing you're grateful for that surprised you? Not the obvious blessings, but something unexpected. Maybe a challenge that became a gift. Keep that question in the back of your mind as we explore November together; I'll ask you about it again at the end.
Back in October 2021, I woke to a voice in my head telling me to write a book about butterflies for children. Who knew that would lead to a zany butterfly road trip across America, from Virginia to Arizona, visiting the largest butterfly farm in each state, interviewing an entomologist named Rachel, and writing twelve picture books for children ages four to eight in eleven months.
I couldn't fathom then that this was the first step preparing me for something bigger. But I do now.
With my retirement timeline flexible between January 1st, 2027 and January 1st, 2029, I'm like most authors with a day job; using my income to fund illustrations, book covers, and marketing.
Though November brings gratitude and reflection, it also brings uncertainty. As federal workers nationwide face potential shutdowns and workforce reductions, I'm holding both celebration and concern in the same hand. More on that in the wellness section, but for now, let's focus on what October taught us.
By the time retirement comes, all twelve picture books should be published, and I shall switch from federal service to doing author visits in schools across America. Though with current government uncertainties (more on that in the wellness section), this plan motivates and brings me hope.
THE MARKETING WINNERS
"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." – Bobby Unser
 Figure 2 - Bestselling Books Displayed with Autumn Leaves
The children's book market was valued at $15.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $24.5 billion by 2031; a 54% increase that shows families continue investing in literacy despite economic pressures. Within this growing market, three books launched with strategic bestseller campaigns, and the results proved marketing works:
Bella Brown's Messier Than Messy Room (launched August 21st) hit #1 bestseller September 10th with 1,022 copies sold. Paul Brodie's campaign created perfect back-to-school momentum, earning both a Moonbeam Medal and a Literary Titan Gold Book Award. Eight-year-old Bella can't go to the butterfly garden until she cleans her room; but can a call from Grandma Yetta help her tackle the chaos?
Amazon reviewer Nelis praised the book with five stars, noting: "Grandma's patient instruction teaches children that even the nastiest mess can be fixed through persistence and teamwork, and turns a yucky task into a fun, interactive treat."
The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed (launched September 8th) hit #1 in three categories with 1,109 copies sold. Paul Brodie's expertise drove sales beyond projections. This reverse-monster story told from the monster's perspective shows young readers that what makes us different doesn't have to lead to war, but understanding when we give each other a chance.
Amazon reviewer Margarita Garcia gave it five stars: "This may be one of the most touching, educational, and entertaining children's books I've ever read... it touches on themes like friendship, understanding, and learning about how something or someone different is okay."
Bella Brown—Grandma's Missing Butterfly Locket (launched September 27th) hit #1 bestseller with 192 copies sold. KBookproduction's campaign proved that even lower-cost marketing strategies deliver results when executed well. Grandma Yetta can't remember where she lost her butterfly locket; can Bella help her remember their butterfly adventures around the globe?
Amazon reviewer SA_ostrich gave it five stars: "Kids will learn not only about butterflies but also about different cultures and the value of family bonds."
Timing mattered too: November-December accounts for 25-35% of annual book retail revenue, meaning one in four books sold annually occurs during these two months. Launching in September and October positioned these books perfectly to ride the holiday shopping wave.
THE ORGANIC TEST
Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm launched October 1st with NO marketing campaign; this was my "snowball effect" experiment. Result: 6 total sales (2 eBook, 4 paperback) and one five-star review; all organic.
Key Learning: The contrast is stark. Organic performance (6 sales) versus marketed campaigns (1,022, 1,109, and 192 sales with bestseller status) demonstrates the critical importance of strategic marketing investment. The snowball effect exists, but marketing creates avalanches.
And marketing isn't just paid campaigns. BookTok author sales grew nearly 20% in 2024; the fifth consecutive year of growth—proving social media discovery isn't a fad. It's how readers find books now, and why authors need multi-platform strategies.
These victories remind me that strategic planning pays off, whether it's book launches or life itself.
Lessons from October
I get approximately 40 trick-or-treaters annually. In previous years, I'd buy multiple single bags of candy for treat bags, but that adds up fast. This year, I bought bulk mini versions of the top twenty favorite Halloween candies and saved over $200.
The only annoying thing? Vast quantity differences; 40+ Kit Kats but only 21 Baby Ruths. Some trick-or-treaters scored big with their favorites; others got creative substitutions.
My wife suggested adding jokes to each bag. I found the best one hundred kid-friendly Halloween jokes, printed forty for our treat bags, and paired each with an adjacent fortune.
link: https://jwzarek.com/halloween-jokes-fortunes-activity-sheet/
Joke Example: Why don't vampires have any friends? Because they're such a pain in the neck.
The lesson: Whether it's Halloween candy or children's books, bulk planning saves money, strategic distribution maximizes impact, and personal touches transform ordinary experiences into memorable ones. That $200 savings? Goes straight into funding more book illustrations.
Happiness Hack #16: The Gratitude Jar Revolution
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle
 Figure 3 - Siblings Adding Gratitude Notes to Beautiful Decorated Jar
This month's happiness hack is deceptively simple yet transformative: the Gratitude Jar.
Here's how it works:
Get a large jar - Decorate it together using autumn colors, stickers, ribbon. Make it beautiful. Place it somewhere everyone passes daily: kitchen counter, dining table, entryway.
Write it down - Throughout November, write down good moments, big or small, on slips of paper and drop them in. "Found a quarter." "Made a new friend." "Dad made pancakes." "Got an A on my test." "Saw a red cardinal."
Be specific - Not just "I'm grateful for Mom" but "I'm grateful Mom stayed up late helping me finish my project even though she was tired." Specificity makes gratitude real.
Thanksgiving reveal - On Thanksgiving Day, gather around and read every single slip aloud. You'll be amazed by what you've collected; and how this practice shifts your brain toward noticing abundance instead of scarcity.
Notice the transformation - Pay attention to how family dynamics change when everyone is actively looking for good things to add to the jar. Gratitude becomes contagious.
Why this works: Gratitude isn't just positive thinking, it's rewiring your brain to notice abundance. The subconscious doesn't care what information you feed it; it only wants to prove what you've said is true. When you tell your brain to look for things to be grateful for, it finds them everywhere.
This month's practice: When facing a challenge, ask yourself: "What if everything I need to handle this is already within me, waiting to be recognized; just like gratitude is always available if I look for it?"
Literary Giants: November Authors Who Changed the World
"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." - Neil Gaiman
 Figure 4 – Afternoon tea
November gave birth to literary voices who understood something profound: being different isn't a flaw to fix; it's a gift to share.
These November-born authors created worlds where misfits became heroes, where uniqueness was celebrated, and where every reader could find themselves in the story. While many notable authors were born in November, I've chosen to highlight four whose work celebrates misfits and dreamers:
Mark Twain (November 30, 1835-1910)
Born Samuel Clemens during the appearance of Halley's Comet, Twain predicted he'd depart when it returned; and he did, 75 years later.
His Adventures of Huckleberry Finn gave us Huck, a boy who chose doing right over following rules. Twain showed children that conscience matters more than conformity.
Mark Twain is one of my favorite authors. I remember reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as a child, and the particular scene where Tom tricks his friends into painting Aunt Polly's fence is my favorite. That moment taught me perspective shapes reality.
C.S. Lewis (November 29, 1898-1963)
Creator of The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis understood that misfits often see magic others miss. Walking through that wardrobe in my imagination as a child showed me that ordinary people could discover extraordinary worlds. He wrote: "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
Louisa May Alcott (November 29, 1832-1888)
The brilliant mind behind Little Women created Jo March, a headstrong, creative girl who refused to fit society's mold. Jo wanted to be a writer when women were told to be wives. She cut her hair when long hair was mandatory. She spoke her mind when silence was expected. Generations of girls learned they didn't have to shrink themselves to be loved. Alcott wrote: "Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable."
Madeleine L'Engle (November 29, 1918-2007)
Author of A Wrinkle in Time, L'Engle created Meg Murry—an awkward, stubborn, imperfect girl whose 'faults' became her superpowers. L'Engle faced 26 rejections before her masterpiece was published. Imagine if she'd quit at rejection 25.
Every child who feels different needs to know: persistence plus authenticity equals magic. As L'Engle wrote: "Just because we don't understand doesn't mean that the explanation doesn't exist." And it was L'Engle who made me believe it was possible to walk through a tesseract.
The November 29 Literary Trinity
Here's something extraordinary: three of these authors—Louisa May Alcott, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L'Engle—were all born on November 29, spanning 86 years (1832, 1898, 1918).
What are the odds that three giants of children's literature, each creating worlds where misfits become heroes, would share the same birthday?
Maybe November 29 is when the universe delivers writers who understand that being different is a superpower—writers who write for the misfits, the dreamers, the ones who feel they don't quite fit.
November Folklore: House Spirits Across Cultures
"Home is where one starts from." – T.S. Eliot
As families prepare homes for winter, folklore traditions across cultures speak of house spirits who watch over households. The domovoi (Slavic house spirit) expects offerings during November to ensure household protection through winter. Similarly, brownies (Scottish household spirits) require acknowledgment during autumn's end for continued help with domestic tasks.
These protective spirits share common themes: they reward respectful families with good fortune and protect children while sleeping; but only when properly honored.
In all of my picture books, you might spot Pip the Domovoi hidden in random background illustrations, as a nod to these ancient traditions of household guardians watching over families, and as copyright protection from artificial intelligence and scammers who might miss these hidden images.
The wisdom here? Just as folklore teaches that showing gratitude to house spirits brings protection, showing gratitude to the people in our homes; our families—creates its own kind of magic and security.
November Reading Corner: Top 3 Books for Families
Looking for the perfect November read-aloud? Here are three beloved books that celebrate gratitude, heritage, and autumn magic, each with thousands of reader recommendations:
1. "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson
Bear gathers with friends for a feast in this beautifully rhyming story about friendship and thankfulness. Part of the beloved Bear series, this gentle tale shows children how gratitude brings us together. Perfect for cozy reading time before Thanksgiving. Ages 4-8
2. "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" by Traci Sorell
This award-winning book celebrates Cherokee gratitude and traditions throughout the year. The word "otsaliheliga" expresses thankfulness in Cherokee, and the beautiful illustrations honor Native American Heritage Month. A powerful way to teach children about Indigenous culture and gratitude practices that connect us to the earth and each other. Ages 4-8
3. "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano
A clever turkey tries hilarious disguises to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner—from cow to horse to rooster! Kids adore this creative escape story that combines humor with just enough suspense to keep them giggling through every page turn. The twist ending makes it a story they'll want to read again and again. Ages 3-7
Whether you're snuggled under blankets with hot cocoa or reading before bedtime, these books create opportunities for conversations about gratitude, cultural traditions, and the truth that being different is enough.
For my personal book reviews, check my blog at jwzarek.com. I post new reviews the second Wednesday of each month.
November Learning Resources: Free Printables for Families
Beyond reading together, here are hands-on activities to keep young minds engaged this November:
Word Search Puzzle
Puzzles to Print November Word Search features 30 themed words including Thanksgiving, veterans, autumn, and more. Answer key included. Perfect for ages 6-12.
Link: https://www.puzzles-to-print.com/printable-word-search/november-word-search.shtml
Crossword Puzzle
Puzzles to Print November Crossword includes 21 vocabulary words like gratitude, harvest, Veterans Day, and cornucopia. Great for building November vocabulary while reinforcing spelling. Ages 8-14.
Link: https://www.puzzles-to-print.com/crossword-puzzles-for-kids/november-crossword.shtmlThanksgiving
Mazes
The Purple Pumpkin Blog Thanksgiving Mazes offers 6 mazes ranging from Super Easy to Crazy difficulty, featuring Pilgrims, pumpkins, turkeys, and fall treats. Solutions included. Ages 4-12.
Link: https://www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/free-printable-thanksgiving-mazes/
All three resources are instant PDF downloads—no registration required. Print multiple copies for family game nights, classroom centers, or Thanksgiving gathering activities.
November Sky Watch: Beaver Moon and Celestial Gratitude
"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." - Theodore Roosevelt
November's night sky offers spectacular reminders that we're part of something vast and ancient. Bundle up in blankets, grab a hot beverage, and let's look up together:
The Beaver Supermoon (November 5th)
This isn't just any full moon; it's the closest and brightest super moon of 2025, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. Native Americans named it the Beaver Moon, marking the time when beavers complete their winter lodges before the harsh cold arrives.
The beaver holds deep wisdom in Native American traditions: preparation and foresight (build security before challenge arrives), collaborative effort (beavers work together, showing community strength), creating safe spaces (building emotional and spiritual "lodges" for protection), and recognizing that hard work yields long-term security.
The beaver as totem animal represents determination, persistence, family bonds, and the ability to transform one's environment; a powerful metaphor for human agency in shaping life circumstances.
Teaching moment: Tell children that the moon doesn't create its own light; it reflects the sun's light back to us. Ask: What if that's what we're supposed to do too? Reflect the good we receive back out into the world?
What a wonderful way to show gratitude in action.
Family Activity: Thanksgiving Spirit in Action
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." – Anonymous
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Plant Garlic, Harvest Hope
November is traditional garlic-planting time; plant cloves now, harvest bulbs next summer. Give each family member their own clove to plant. Mark the spot together.
Next July, when you harvest, you'll remember this November moment of faith: planting something small in cold ground, trusting it will grow into something nourishing. That's gratitude in action; investing in future abundance even when present conditions seem challenging.
November Nature Detective Walk
November is peak bird migration time. Grab binoculars, notebooks, and hot cocoa in a thermos. Search for migrating birds, colorful leaves to press, animal tracks, and the last brave flowers still blooming. Create a family nature journal documenting discoveries.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Coffee Filter Autumn Leaf Suncatchers
Transform windows into autumn art galleries with these stunning translucent leaf decorations. Kids color coffee filters with fall-colored markers, spray with water to blend colors, then cut into leaf shapes and laminate. The activity teaches color theory, absorption science, and fine motor skills while creating beautiful displays that catch November sunlight.
Materials needed: Coffee filters, washable markers, spray bottle, leaf templates, scissors, contact paper.
What Children Learn: Patience, fine motor skills, color theory, absorption science, and the pride of creating beautiful art. Perfect for ages 4 and up.
Instructions:
Color the filters: Have children color coffee filters heavily with fall-colored markers, the more color, the better.
Water magic: Lightly spray colored filters with water and watch the colors blend beautifully together. This is where the science happens!
Dry completely: Let filters dry flat for about 30 minutes.
Trace and cut: Use leaf templates to trace shapes on dried filters, then carefully cut out the leaf shapes.
Preserve: Place leaves between contact paper sheets or laminate them for durability.
Display: Hang in windows with yarn or string to catch November sunlight. Watch the light shine through your colorful autumn leaves.
Ages 4 and up
Veterans Day Thank-You Mission
Veterans Day is November 11th
Help children create handmade thank-you cards for veterans. Contact your local VA hospital or veterans organization to deliver them. Let children decorate however they want, the imperfect, handmade quality is exactly what makes these cards precious.
Veterans often treasure these cards deeply; I know I do. When I was first deployed to the Persian Gulf, everyone received care packages from home: Ray Ban sunglasses, MREs with pop-tarts (Meals, Ready-to-Eat, for the uninitiated). The older MRE versions were calorie-dense but featured mystery paste textures and brownies that sat in your gut forever. Yummy… not. So those pop-tart MREs always brought surprised smiles that felt like winning the lottery.
But the best part about those care packages were the cards kids made. And while I didn't keep the pop-tart wrapper or can remember where those Ray Ban sunglasses went, I kept the gratitude card with a simple message: "Thank you for your service," and a drawing of a smiling kid and his dog, both at attention, saluting. That card is in a memory box, along with other military and personal mementos and keepsakes.
November Kitchen: No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies in a Cup
These adorable individual pumpkin pies require no oven, perfect for Thanksgiving when your oven is busy with the turkey! Kids can make the entire dessert themselves, from crushing graham crackers to adding their own creative toppings.
Why Kids Love These: Perfect single-serving size for little hands, fun assembly that feels like building something special, and they can customize their own cup with favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
For the Crust: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 graham crackers, crushed) 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Pumpkin Filling: 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (IMPORTANT: Use pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling) 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 cup cold milk 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ginger 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
For Topping: Reserved whipped topping Optional: mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or cinnamon sprinkle
Supplies Needed: 8-10 clear plastic cups or small mason jars (6-8 oz size)
Instructions:
- Make the crust: Place graham crackers in a Ziplock bag and let kids crush them with a rolling pin or their hands. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter, then spoon 1-2 tablespoons into the bottom of each cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pudding mix, milk, and spices. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick. Fold in half of the whipped topping (4 oz) gently until combined.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon or pipe the pumpkin mixture on top of the graham cracker crust in each cup. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- Add the topping: Top each cup with a dollop of the remaining whipped topping. Kids can add mini chocolate chips, extra graham cracker crumbs, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) before serving. These are best served chilled and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kid-Friendly Tips: Crushing graham crackers is a fun sensory activity. Children can measure and pour ingredients, which helps them learn measurements.
Makes 8-10 servings | Ages 4 and up (with adult supervision for mixing)
November Wellness: Honoring Service & Navigating Uncertainty
"Grief is the price we pay for love." - Queen Elizabeth II
November brings both celebration and uncertainty. Veterans Day honors those who served. Thanksgiving celebrates abundance. But for federal workers and contractors, this November also brings government shutdown anxiety; furloughs, potential RIF, families wondering if paychecks will arrive before Christmas.
The 19th-century poet Alice Cary understood that November's darkness is bearable when we remember what survives beneath the surface:
The leaves are fading and falling,
The winds are rough and wild,
The birds have ceased their calling,
But let me tell you, my child,
Though day by day, as it closes,
Doth darker and colder grow,
The roots of the bright red roses
Will keep alive in the snow.
So, when some dear joy loses
Its beauteous summer glow,
Think how the roots of the roses
Are kept alive in the snow.
I'm living this reality too. The government shutdown means my pay stops, so my illustrator pauses work on my books to help other authors while I wait for the government to re-open. For some co-workers forced back to the office without pay, they're revising policies while the rest of us are furloughed.
And we're all waiting, not just for the government to re-open, but to see who's impacted by Reduction in Force (RIF) that continues to occur at other government agencies and organizations.
Will the shutdown last through the holidays? Will there be additional RIFs? For older employees like me with seniority, RIF could mean instant early retirement with full benefits; not ideal timing, but at least my pension could fund illustrations and book covers once it starts.
"How sad would be November if we had no knowledge of the spring!" – Edwin Way Teale
Carrying that weight while also facing workplace uncertainty can be a tough load to bear. Here are some suggestions that might help:
For Families Honoring Veterans
If you have veterans in your family, November might feel heavy. "Thank you for your service" feels hollow when you know the cost.
Try instead: "I see you. I remember. Your sacrifice mattered." Then listen if they want to talk, or simply sit together if they don't.
For Families Facing Financial Uncertainty
Government shutdowns create stress beyond politics. Bills don't pause for Congress.
What helps:
Create a memory corner at your Thanksgiving table acknowledging what you're grateful for despite uncertainty. Gratitude and worry can coexist; they often do.
Contact your financial institution. Some, like Navy Federal Credit Union, can provide loans to bridge the gap or move mortgage payments to the end of your loan term.
Anything that brings peace of mind is worth pursuing.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
· Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
· Immediate danger: Call 911
Even amid uncertainty, November reminds us that celebration and struggle coexist.
The cultural traditions we honor this month: Diwali's triumph of light over darkness, and Día de los Muertos's recognition that love transcends loss; teach us that joy and sorrow aren't opposites.
They're companions. And perhaps that's the most honest kind of gratitude: acknowledging both what we have and what we're navigating.
November's Celebrations & Cultural Awareness
Cultural Traditions
Diwali – Festival of Lights (October 20-November 1, 2025)
November begins with the afterglow of Diwali, one of the world's most significant celebrations observed by over one billion people worldwide. The name comes from Sanskrit meaning "row of lights," and the symbolism: light triumphing over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil.
Different faiths celebrate Diwali: Hindus mark the triumph of light, Jains commemorate enlightenment, and Sikhs celebrate freedom from imprisonment. Despite different origins, all share the theme of light conquering darkness—a powerful reminder that even the smallest light can push back shadows.
Teaching Moment: Children can light a small lamp and contribute to Diwali's brilliance. Each child's own light matters in making the world brighter and better, which aligns with my "I am enough" dedication in every children's book I write. I recommend that every time they look in the mirror, they think and say aloud: "I am enough." Three simple yet powerful words some kids never hear, or worse, are told the exact opposite.
Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead (November 1-2)
This joyful Mexican celebration honors deceased loved ones through vibrant altars (ofrendas) decorated with photos, favorite foods, and marigolds. It's not a sad holiday, but a celebration of continuing bonds. Families believe their loved ones return for a visit during these special days, reminding us that those we love never truly leave us.
November 1 – Día de los Angelitos: Honors deceased children with ofrendas featuring toys, sweets, and white flowers
November 2 – Día de los Muertos: Celebrates adult departed souls through vibrant festivities
Día de los Muertos traditions include:
- Marigolds (cempasúchil) guide spirits home with their bright orange color and strong scent
- Sugar skulls (calaveras) bear deceased loved ones' names
- Cemetery vigils where families clean gravestones, play music, share stories, and feast with their ancestors
The philosophy differs fundamentally from European mourning traditions; death is seen as natural continuation of life, not an ending. This recognition that ancestors remain part of family and community resonates across cultures, from Mexican traditions to Slavic beliefs about house spirits watching over families.
November Observances
November brings observances that remind us what truly matters: service, kindness, and recognizing that every person has worth.
Veterans Day (November 11th) – Veterans Day has its roots in November 11, 1918, when the armistice ending World War I took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Originally called Armistice Day, it honored WWI veterans. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation renaming it Veterans Day to honor all American veterans of all wars.
That precise timing: 11/11 at 11:00; reminds us that peace arrives at specific moments when specific people make sacrifices for the rest of us. It's not abstract. It's personal.
Other November Observances Worth Noting:
- National Authors Day (November 1st) – Celebrating storytellers who change lives
- World Kindness Day (November 13th) – A perfect day to challenge children to perform random acts of kindness. Even small gestures can turn someone's bad day around or show they matter.
- Universal Children's Day (November 20th) – Promoted by the United Nations to celebrate international togetherness and raise awareness about children's rights worldwide. Every child matters. Every child is enough.
- Thanksgiving (November 27th) – Gathering to express gratitude
- Native American Heritage Month – Honoring indigenous peoples throughout November
- National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) – Writers worldwide commit to drafting 50,000 words throughout November
- National Gratitude Month – The world needs more gratitude, and November reminds us to practice it daily
Question for Readers
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others." – Cicero
Remember that question I asked at the beginning? What's one thing you're grateful for that surprised you?
November is the month when we're supposed to express gratitude. But I'm genuinely curious about your answer—not the obvious blessings, but something unexpected. Maybe a challenge that turned into a gift. Maybe a setback that redirected you toward something better.
Share your thoughts using #SurprisedByGratitude on social media, or email me directly; I'll feature the most inspiring responses in December's newsletter.
Call to Action: November 'Circle of Gratitude' Challenge
1. Start a gratitude circle – Tell a child one specific thing you're grateful for about them. Not generic praise ('You're smart'), but specific observation ('I noticed how you helped your friend. That kindness matters').
2. Create your gratitude jar – Follow Happiness Hack #16 and start collecting gratitude throughout November.
3. Support veterans – Help children make handmade cards for veterans. Contact your local VA hospital to deliver them.
4. Build literacy – Add a Bella Brown book to your holiday gift list, or donate a copy to your local library's children's section.
5. Spread the mission – Share this newsletter with someone who works with children.
6. Share your story – Use #IAmEnoughStories on social media to share moments when believing 'I am enough' changed something.
Connect With Me
Follow my author journey toward full-time educational advocacy:
· Website: jwzarek.com (48 free lesson plans available)
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwzarek
· Twitter/X: https://x.com/JoeTweetster
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.zarek/
Coming in December: Holiday book launches, winter celebrations, year-end reflection practices, and strategic planning for the journey toward full-time author life.
As November fades into December, remember: every child and every dreamer deserves to know they are enough, exactly as they are, right now.
The roots of bright red roses stay alive in the snow. Your worth isn't diminished by uncertainty. Your mission doesn't pause for shutdowns. And the light you're building—through stories, through gratitude, through showing children they matter—that light keeps growing even when November feels dark.
J. W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal bestselling co-author and award-winning children's book author. His works include the Moonbeam Medal winner Bella Brown's Messier Than Messy Room and multiple Literary Titan Gold Book Award-winning titles in the Bella Brown series and The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed. His novel The Devil Pulls the Strings has earned 41 awards.
With over 40 years of military and federal service, he's building toward full-time educational advocacy (2027-2029) to help every sensitive, curious, brave-hearted child know they are enough. |
