We are welcoming a new month, so here is my latest downloadable calendar for November! This wreath is an old favourite, the original hanging in the living room of my parents. This was the starting point of my 12-piece collection.

There was a time when November was my favourite time of year. It is getting dark fairly early, which justifies the use of different lights, the weather is cold and foggy, perfect for cuddling :) These days I have a bit more difficulty accepting darkness, but there is no point in moaning, Christmas is on the brink of the horizon.

Edith Holden has something to say to you again

November was the ninth month of the old Roman year. The 11th of November was held to mark the beginning of winter. The Anglo Saxon name of November was Blotmonath (blood month) probably alluding to the slaughter of cattle for winter consumption.

Feast days:

• 1st: All Saints’ Day
• 2nd All Souls’ Day
• 3rd St Hubert
• Nov 5th Bonfire Night. (The particular service commemorative of the Papists’ conspiracy on the 5th. was abolished in 1859.)
• 11th St Martin’s
• 21st Presentation of the Virgin
• 22nd St Cecilia
• 25th St Catherine
• 30th St Andrew
• Nov 5th Bonfire Night. The particular service commemorative of the Papists’ conspiracy on the 5th. was abolished in 1859.

“November take fail
Let no ships sail”

“If there’s ice in November that will bear a duck”

“There’ll be nothing after but sudge and muck.”

Things to be happy about this month

• fog
• candles
• fairy lights (colourful or plain)
• warm blankets
• frosty mornings