We’re a couple of months away from welcoming a new year. So, here’s a list of November celebrations you should know before ending the year with your team!
As the 11th month of the year, November gives us a variety of celebrations that are undeniably worth the cheer! Apart from Thanksgiving Day and Veterans Day, November is also a month to celebrate the history and heritage of National Native American Heritage Month. Moreover, it is also a month of different awareness and observances to acknowledge and celebrate!
1. National Native American Heritage Month
Each year in November, the National Native American Heritage Month celebrates their rich history, diversity, and their contributions to the nation’s first community. It is a celebration to honor the relationship and commitment between the American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Find out how you can celebrate it here.
2. National Recycling Week, November 7-13
Each year in November since 1996, Planet Ark, an Australian environmental organization, provides and shares awareness about the importance of recycling in society. From schools, councils, organizations, and even individuals, the group aims to further the awareness of recycling. It is also believed that the idea of recycling was already accepted even in the 1900s, especially during the war. In the present time, recycling plays a vital role in protecting and keeping our space a better place to live in. As a small business, we believe in the impact of following a sustainable reusing habit. As the new quarter unfolded, we are happy to introduce Furoshiki– an environmentally sustainable wrapping method of Japanese heritage. Introduce your team to the intention of Furoshiki through our virtual experience where we will teach you the different techniques of fabric-wrapping that are functional to everyday living.
3. Dia De Los Muertos, November 2
Dia De Los Muertos or Day of The Dead of Mexican culture is one of the most popular celebrations in Mexico. Well, this Day of The Dead is also commemorated in different parts of the world, especially in countries with major Catholic populations. Traditionally, people celebrate by visiting their departed loved ones’ graves together with their families to pray, feast, play music, and put up their photos on their tombs in memory of them.
Sugar Skulls in Mexico are very popular. In fact, it is a symbol of Dia De Los Muertos as it represents the dead. But people have found a more interesting take on it where they are colorfully painted and made into decorations. Even though it’s way past the celebration, you and your team can still learn skull painting through Kits by Demand exclusive virtual team-building activity. Craft your own sugar skull that you can place in any space to give it a pop of color and element!
4. Japanese Culture Day, November 3
November 3 is an important day as Japanese people celebrate Culture Day. It is established by the constitution of Japan as their national holiday. Also known as “Bunka no Hi,” the day is celebrated to honor and pay respect to their culture, arts, and academia.
There is a list of ideas to celebrate this day and we’ve got unique ones. Discover more about Japan's exquisite culture and arts in our Japan-inspired virtual team-building ideas and in-person events for your team such as Suminagashi virtual or in-person experience learning the traditional art of ink floating, and Sushi Rolling, the most convenient way to make sushi at home.
5. Dev Deepawali, November 7
Taking place 15 days after Diwali, Dev Deepawali is a celebration of the Gods. Honoring Lord Shiva, Indians celebrate by lighting the streets and rivers with light illuminating the place. Traditional chants are also practiced while there is shell-blowing and drums beating rhythmically. And as a part of honoring Lord Shiva, thousands of devotees take themselves to India’s famous river, the Ganges, where they submerge in the holy waters.
6. National Happy Hour Day, November 12
Where did the term “Happy hour” come from? It was derived after World War I from American Native slang in the 1920s. The happy hours were initially observed on naval ships by sailors to engage in leisure activities for them to be relieved of the hardships in their lives at sea.
A happy Hour is a popular event celebrated by different kinds of people. From office teams to family occasions, happy hour is celebrated joyfully. This quarter, for a new kind of happy hour, we’re taking you on a journey to experience Hawaii with our Tiki Cocktails and Mocktails. Create 3 concoctions— 2 recipes with your team, and 1 recipe for whenever you want to have a party on your own!
7. World Kindness Day, November 13
Proclaimed as an international holiday in 1998, the World Kindness Day movement was founded to promote kindness in the world. It is also keen in promoting the opportunity to reflect on one of the most important human principles— kindness.
In celebration of World Kindness Day, we are happy to participate in Heart of Dinner’s initiative to support and recognize the vulnerable elderly Asian communities around New York. Come and join us to create hand-written notes to attach to every lunch or care package. Learn more about Heart of Dinner, how you can join us, and more details here.
8. Anti-Bullying Week, November 14
Even at this very moment, bullying is still an epidemic that people go through each day of their lives but the ones most affected are children of young age. According to statistics, an alarming percentage of bullying reports are coming from in-person bullying to cyberbullying. The prevalence of any form of bullying has ensued with great risks to a person’s mental health, even violence, and self-harm. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime and change a person for the rest of their life.
Extend your support for Anti-Bullying Week by:
Wear a pink-colored shirt
Wear odd socks which symbolize differences
Pledge your support by signing up for organizations dedicated to supporting Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Bullying
Spread awareness through sharing articles and any kind of post on different social media platforms
Victims or witnesses, especially the youth, sometimes tend to not voice out their experiences. As a family, friend, and loved one, recognize warning signs of bullying such as these.
9. Women Entrepreneurs Day, November 19
As we celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month to acknowledge the risks, challenges, and successes of starting a business. Today is dedicated to the women of entrepreneurship who have worked hard in their respective ventures. In celebration of Entrepreneurship Month and Women Entrepreneurs, Kits by Food Craft founder, Aimee, shares her story in a podcast episode with Jennifer. Listen to the full episode at this link.
10. Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, November 24
As people look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving, it has also become a family tradition in the US to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC every November 4th. It is one of the biggest and most anticipated events during this holiday with floats and hundreds volunteering to make the event a success for families to enjoy at home or in person. For this year’s event, the route will be from Central Park West to 59th Street, then head east to 6th Avenue and then south along 6th Avenue all the way to 34th Street and to Macy's Department Store located in Herald Square.
11. Thanksgiving, November 24
Thanksgiving Day is an annual holiday celebration in the United States and Canada. It is a day of thanksgiving to celebrate the harvest and blessings from the previous year. Today, people celebrate thanksgiving in various ways but it is most highlighted with a family feast, gratitude, and even sharing of gifts.
12. Black Friday, November 25
Back in the day, specifically in the 1950s, Black Friday was the term used by the police in Philadelphia to describe the chaotic scenario that happens after Thanksgiving Day. Shoppers and tourists in the city would flood the streets for the Army-Navy Football Games that happen every Saturday during the week of Thanksgiving. In the modern age, Black Friday has become a day where people would hoard anything from shops, and avail discounts. It’s also no surprise when people line up a day before Black Friday sales! Are you ready for it this year? We recommend you make a list of only valuable things to purchase on Black Friday like DIY Kits for adults you can find on our website with great discount deals!
13. International Day for The Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25
This day’s commemoration is rooted in the assassination of the Mirabal sisters. Years after, on November 25, 1981, movements focused on raising awareness of violence against women sparked and were attended by women supporters. On December 17, 1999, the United Nations resolution officially established November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
5 facts you should know about violence against women according to National Today:
An estimated 35 percent of women worldwide have been physically and/or sexually assaulted by a non-partner.
Some studies show that up to 70 percent of women have experienced violence from an intimate partner.
Women and girls account for 71 percent of all human trafficking victims.
More than 1 in 10 females have experienced forced sexual acts in their lives.
At least 140 countries have laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment.