2024 has been an interesting year. So here is a brief look back month by month. While it’s not physically possible to list everything that happed this year, Jen’s Perspective continues to focus on love, laughter and love while making lasting memories. This year I introduced Jen’s Perspective Magazine as well. Each monthly digital magazine covers a variety of reasons to celebrate.
If you like what we do here considering gifting a subscription and definitely share near and far. We now have our a devoted YouTube channel. Make sure to follow our other channel as well. We hope to add even more fun in 2025. Don’t forget to find us across the internet on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pintrest, and TikTok.
December ushers in winter holidays such as Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukah. It is also a time when families gather in the warmth of their homes. Throughout the month, our thoughts and actions turn toward charity and peace. During the twelfth and final month of the year, December inspires a flurry of activity both in the business world and our personal lives. Sales, shopping, family gatherings, school holidays, baking, and seasonal changes remind us of the the past while we look to our futures.
The name December comes from the Latin word ‘decem’ meaning ten. On the Roman Calendar, December was the 10th month. However, Numa Pompilius adjusted the calendar when January and February were added. December became the twelfth month, and the calendar more accurately reflected the length of a year on Earth.
During December, the winter solstice tips the Northern hemisphere its furthest distance from the sun. Through most of the month, its inhabitants lose about 2 minutes of sunlight per day until the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the start of winter and the shortest day on the calendar. However, from that day forward, the days will slowly lengthen. They may not be warmer, but the Earth is tilting on its axis back toward the sun.
Hot cocoa and cold toes remind me of Christmas. ~Toni Sorenson
December Holidays and Traditions Overview
December is a big baking month for many. In the United States, families, churches, schools, and organizations bake cookies to exchange. They are often part of the gift-giving and ugly sweater parties that occur right before or during Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah.
Winter sports are in high gear throughout December. Whether indoor or outdoor, fans tunein or fill arenas. While hockey, football, and basketball seasons bring thrills each year, skiing and snowmobiling keep the outdoors busy.
Beyond sports, the December holidays also offer lots of ways to celebrate our free time. National Crossword Puzzle Day is just one way to spend some quiet time. Plenty of baking and food days bring celebrations to the kitchen, too. In fact, there are 29 food-related days in December in addition to the popular beverage holidays. We can even celebrate our laundry with National Sock Day.
Those born in December claim these icy cool birthstones. Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, is a deep glacial purple. Blue Zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia) is the oldest mineral on Earth and comes in a variety of colors. However, for those born in December, the icy blue zircon is beautiful. Blue Topaz in shades from light blue to deep london Blue. Finally, turquoise, with its distinct color and veins, comes in a variety of shades. Prevalent throughout the Southwestern United States, turquoise also added value and meaning to clothing, ceremonies, and more.
The fragrant narcissus usually blooms in spring. However, for December birthdays, some species bloom in winter. The paperwhite is one, making the narcissus the ideal birthday flower for December. Among its several meanings, narcissus also means hope. During winter, hope is a thing often looked for through the cold, ice, and snow.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus is well known as the attractive young hunter obsessed with his good looks. His obsession later got the best of him when he looked at his reflection in a pond, and upon closer inspection, fell and drown.
Amazon’s Black Friday deals are the ultimate shopping event for bargain hunters and savvy shoppers alike. This highly anticipated annual sale offers massive discounts across virtually every product category, from electronics and home essentials to fashion and beauty. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gadgets, upgrading your home appliances, or hunting for holiday gifts, Amazon’s Black Friday extravaganza has something for everyone. With deals that change hourly and exclusive offers for Prime members, it’s the perfect opportunity to snag incredible savings and check off your shopping list early.
This year, Amazon has upped the ante with deeper discounts, expanded product selections, and faster delivery options to ensure you get what you need without the wait. From doorbuster sales on popular brands to lightning deals on hard-to-find items, shoppers can expect unprecedented savings on top-quality merchandise. With convenient tools like wish lists, deal notifications, and one-click purchasing, Amazon makes it easier than ever to stay ahead of the shopping frenzy. Get ready to take advantage of this unparalleled sale and make the most of your Black Friday experience!
Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise. ~Gladys Taber
The word November is derived from the Latin novem meaning nine. On the Roman calendar, November was the 9th month of the year. Like October, Numa Pompilius moved November when January and February were added to more accurately reflect the length of a year on Earth. Along with September, this month makes the first rhyme in the poem we learn to help us remember the number of days in each month. “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November.”
Weather & Seasons
Even though many consider November to be the last month of Autumn, it’s not. On the astronomical calendar, Autumn doesn’t end until the middle of December. However, it is considered the third month of Autumn on the meteorological calendar. So, for those fall-loving people, cling to every moment of cinnamon candles and crimson-colored walks by reminding your winter-loving friends of this.
The Beaver Moon lights up in November. It is also called the Frost Moon since the first hard frost of the season typically makes its appearance in November. Two meteor showers appear in October. They are the Draconids and the Orionids.
Football season is well underway. Basketball and hockey are heating up, too. Teams meet up for cross-country, lacrosse, and more while the weather holds.
If you don’t know by now the new season of Outlander premiers November 22 on Starz. So plan accordingly, especially for watch parties. We have been waiting what seems like forever for this and it’s finally coming this month!
Those born in November fall under Scorpio (scorpion) or Sagittarius (centaur) signs.
Both topaz and citrine are birthstones for November babies. Topaz comes in a range of colors including blue, orange, pink, and violet. However, red topaz is rare. Citrine comes in fiery oranges and yellows. Both stones are considered calming and soothing.
November’s birth flower, the chrysanthemum finds its glory this time of year with its fall colors. Also known as “mums” for short, a chrysanthemum’s colors carry special meanings:
Red = Love White = Purity, innocence, pure love Yellow = Slighted love
5 Fast Facts
1. If you’re born in November, you join the likes of Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Schulz, Loretta Swit, Laura Bush, Will Rogers, Danny DeVito, and Billy the Kid. And you’re birthstones are beautiful, too. Look for Topaz and Citrine.
3. The Anglo-Saxons appropriately called November “Wind Monath.”
4. Many poets have written about November including Emily Dickinson, William Bradford, Lydia Maria Child, Sir Walter Scott, and Guns N’ Roses. However, Shakespeare never did write about the 11th month.
5. November ties October for the most number of U.S. presidents born in a month:
Happy Birthday to me! Today, I celebrate another year of growth, laughter, and memories made. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the people who have been a part of my journey. Each year brings new opportunities, and I am excited to see what this one holds. I’ve worked hard to get here, and today is all about celebrating those accomplishments and the person I’m becoming.
After surving a hemoragic stroke in 2013, my life took a drastic turn from where I thought I would be today. I lost my very good health, the ability to bear children, and my mobility as an independent person. In spite of the odds I have not only survived, I taught myself how to build this blog, start 2 YouTube channels, and developed, write and produce a digital monthly magazine. Having lost the ability to work even in a remote capacity had not impeded my aspirations for success. I truly hope to garner the ability to continue forward with a little help from technology, family, friends and a fantastic physical therapist.
I’m also looking forward to embracing whatever the future has in store. This year, I’m focusing on setting goals that truly matter to me and on making time for the things that bring me joy. Today, I’m taking a moment to just be present, appreciating the people who care about me, and enjoying the little moments that make life beautiful. Here’s to another fantastic year—filled with growth, happiness, and success!
