Here we are. Right in the middle of the unloved month of Quebecers. Because it’s starting to get dark and cooler, the general mood is turning gloomy. But what if we tried to come to terms with it and see the good in it? Let’s dare 10 reasons to love November… to take with a grain of salt, in a cozy setting, your favorite hot drink within reach of your (wool) mitten.
Posted at 1:28 a.m.
Updated at 6:30 a.m.
1. One more hour to sleep
The famous switch to winter time, which generates so much discussion every year, can also be a source of celebration. Think about it, by moving back an hour last night, from Saturday to Sunday, we obviously gained an hour today. And the effects of this decline will be felt for a few more days. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to enjoy it! “It’s not about being positive at all costs,” explains psychologist Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier, “but rather about seeing what November has to offer me. […] We are changing the way we see things! ”, she suggests.
2. Time to light up
Halloween is over, it is now socially acceptable to hang our pretty Christmas lights to brighten up our doors and windows a little, as we are plunged into darkness earlier and earlier. “We don’t bring out our big Santas right away,” says the psychologist, “but yes, the light accessories do a lot of good! »
3. The month without FOMO
Aside from Cinemania and M for Montreal, November is undoubtedly the most “uneventful” month of the year, underlines Anouk Bélanger, professor in the department of social and public communication at UQAM. “Movember [où les hommes sont invités à se laisser pousser la moustache pour sensibiliser la population aux maladies masculines] is one of the most exciting events of the month, she quips, that’s saying something! » My goodness, so much the better: after the madness of the start of the school year, no more going out, it’s time to rest a bit, and without complexes. Point of FOMO (fear of missing out) on the horizon!
4. The Christmas cyclone at the cinema
There is not a major cultural program this month, as we have said, but a few films are eagerly awaited at the cinema. Among them: The Christmas cycloneon November 8, for fans of the series starring Christine Beaulieu and Véronique Cloutier in the room. Let’s talk about it again!
5. We sit down at the table
It’s comfort food month, we won’t teach you anything here. In the stove, stews, gratins and other apple pies. Are you lacking inspiration? Treat yourself to MTLàTABLE or Québec Table Gourmande, two gourmet events taking place these days (until November 17) to discover the menus of various restaurants at low prices.
Visit the MTLàTABLE website
Visit the Québec Table Gourmande website
6. We sweeten our mouths
This is no coincidence: in the United States, November was declared National Cinnamon Day (1is), that of the ginger cookie (the 21st), even that of the donut (the 5th). In the same vein, Montreal will host this year the very first Chocolate Show in Canada, from November 8 to 10, at the Complexe Desjardins. Attention all interested sweet tooths!
Visit the Salon du chocolat website
7. The day for the elimination of violence against women
We would rather do without it. But there is something reassuring in knowing that we are united in getting rid of it. The United Nations has proclaimed November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and that alone, in our humble opinion, is cause for celebration.
8. Time to read
There too, we won’t teach you anything, but November is obviously the month of cocooning. We proudly rehabilitate the hat, the big socks, we light our pretty candles and we spoil ourselves with soft music. It’s probably not for nothing that the Montreal Book Fair also takes place at the end of the month. All that’s missing is a good book (or two) from this perfect fall setting, admit it!
Visit the Montreal Book Fair website
9. World Philosophy Day
Certainly, skeptics, like the philosopher Jean Grondin, of the University of Montreal, will tell you that it’s a bit like Apple Pie Day (again!): “No one is against apple pie , but it doesn’t affect many people. When you devote yourself to philosophy, you do it 365 days a year. » This is not the case for everyone, however, and one day a year (November 25) of dialogue, focusing on tolerance and respect, will not hurt anyone. It’s even a bit dreamy!
10. It’s not December!
Should we emphasize this? November is not December either, with all the obligations, tasks and festivities of course, but how many associated expenses. Let’s enjoy it, damn it! Between the excitement of back to school and all the celebrations that await us, November is the perfect month to relax. And laze around. How can we not be happy about it?
Read “Why We Hate November (And How to Get Back From It)”
