As November arrives, we can embrace both its quiet introspection and its humorous moments, from the stark beauty Emily Dickinson described to the overindulgent wit of Robert Brault. This month is perfect for savoring life’s simple pleasures, whether through mindful eating or finding joy in the crisp autumn air, and you can find delightful ways to express your seasonal mood at inktasticmerch.com.
Embracing the Melancholy and Mirth of November
“November always seemed to me the Norway of the year.”
– Emily Dickinson
This evocative quote paints November as a land of stark beauty and quiet solitude, much like the northern landscapes. It invites us to acknowledge the starkness that can emerge as the vibrant hues of autumn fade, offering a space for introspection and a different kind of natural splendor.
Daily Practice
- Take a quiet walk outdoors, noticing the muted colors and the crisp air.
- Journal about what “Norway of the year” feels like in your own life—what landscapes of the soul are revealed?
“I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it.”
– Robert Brault
This quote humorously captures the universal experience of overindulgence, particularly during festive seasons. It touches on the bittersweet feeling of missing out on a simple pleasure due to being too full, a relatable moment of self-awareness after a hearty meal.
How to Embody These Words
- When enjoying a meal, practice mindful eating, savoring each bite and checking in with your body’s cues of fullness.
- Consider preparing a smaller, perfect portion of a favorite treat and truly savoring it without distraction.
“The November evening had a bite; it nibbled not-quite-gently at her cheeks and ears.”
– Aleksandr Wootton
This descriptive passage personifies the chill of November, giving it an almost playful, yet insistent, presence. It highlights the sensory experience of the season, reminding us to connect with the physical sensations of the changing weather.
Daily Practice
- Step outside for a few moments each day, even if it’s just to your doorstep, and feel the November air on your skin.
- Notice the distinct sensations—the sharpness, the stillness, the way it awakens your senses.
“November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year.”
– Louisa May Alcott
Alcott’s declaration, while stark, offers a permission slip to acknowledge any less-than-ideal feelings about November. It validates the sentiment that this transitional month can sometimes feel bleak or challenging, allowing us to meet those feelings with honesty.
How to Embody These Words
- Acknowledge any feelings of “disagreeableness” you might have about November without judgment.
- Consider one small act of self-kindness to counter any perceived unpleasantness.
“I have come to regard November as the older, harder man’s October.”
– Henry Rollins
Rollins’ metaphor suggests a deepening of autumn’s character, moving from vibrant change to a more seasoned, perhaps more rugged, phase. It implies a transition towards resilience and a quiet strength as the year winds down.
Daily Practice
- Reflect on a challenge you’ve navigated with growing strength.
- Embrace a task that requires more effort, seeing it as an opportunity to cultivate your inner resilience.
“In November you begin to know how long the winter will be.”
– Martha Gellhorn
This quote speaks to the foresight that November often brings, a dawning awareness of the quiet, introspective months ahead. It encourages us to prepare not just logistically, but emotionally, for the deeper stillness that winter often demands.
How to Embody These Words
- Take a moment to contemplate the coming winter months. What internal preparations might serve you well?
- Plan one comforting ritual to look forward to during the colder days.
“No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds – November!”
– Thomas Hood
Hood’s emphatic listing captures the stark, stripped-down essence of November. It’s a powerful evocation of a landscape emptied of its summer and autumn abundance, a visual reminder of nature’s cyclical shedding.
Daily Practice
- Observe the natural world around you, noting the absence of vibrant life.
- Find beauty in the skeletal structures of trees or the stark patterns of the bare earth.
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau champions the value of solitary contentment over shared, perhaps superficial, comfort. This quote encourages us to find deep satisfaction in our own space and experiences, even if they are simple.
How to Embody These Words
- Carve out some intentional alone time, even if it’s just an hour.
- Engage in an activity that brings you simple joy, focusing on the richness of the experience itself.
“November at its best – with a sort of delightful menace in the air.”
– Anne Bosworth Greene
This phrase beautifully captures the paradoxical allure of November—a sense of anticipation tinged with a hint of wildness or impending change. It invites us to find the excitement in the unknown and the subtle thrill of the season’s dramatic shift.
Daily Practice
- Notice the subtle shifts in the atmosphere—the quality of the light, the feel of the wind.
- Allow yourself to feel a sense of anticipation for what is to come, embracing any “delightful menace.”
“It was the best kind of November day. Cold and crisp, but not quite freezing, not icy.”
– Rainbow Rowell
Rowell describes a perfect autumnal balance, capturing the invigorating clarity of a cool, crisp day. This highlights the pleasure found in transitional weather, where the air is sharp and refreshing without being harsh.
How to Embody These Words
- Seek out a day with similar weather and engage in an activity that allows you to fully appreciate the crispness—a brisk walk, a warm drink outdoors.
- Notice how the clarity of the air affects your mood and energy.
“This November there seems to be nothing to say.”
– Anne Sexton
Sexton’s sentiment speaks to a quietude that can descend in November, a feeling of words failing to capture the mood. It validates moments of ineffable feeling, where silence becomes a more honest response than speech.
Daily Practice
- Allow yourself periods of silence. Observe your thoughts and feelings without needing to articulate them.
- If you feel compelled to express yourself, try a non-verbal medium like drawing or music.
“The house was very quiet, and the fog – we are in November now – pressed against the windows like an excluded ghost.”
– E.M. Forster
Forster’s imagery evokes a profound sense of atmosphere, where fog becomes a palpable presence, isolating and mysterious. This invites contemplation of the unseen, the quiet dramas unfolding just beyond our immediate perception.
How to Embody These Words
- On a foggy day, sit by a window and simply observe the way the fog transforms the familiar landscape.
- Consider what “excluded ghosts” or unspoken feelings might be pressing against the windows of your own awareness.
“Jam on November took away the worries, it was like tasting summer.”
– El Fuego
This quote offers a sensory anchor to joy, suggesting that even in the midst of November’s chill, a taste of sweetness can bring profound comfort and evoke warmer memories. It highlights the power of simple pleasures to shift our emotional state.
Daily Practice
- Prepare or savor a favorite preserved treat, like jam or a spiced preserve.
- As you taste it, consciously recall the feeling of warmth, sunshine, or joy associated with its origin.
“When everything looks like a magical oil painting, you know you are in Autumn!”
– Mehmet Murat Ildan
Ildan beautifully captures the visual splendor of autumn, likening the season’s transformation to a work of art. This encourages us to look for the extraordinary beauty in the natural world’s seasonal display.
How to Embody These Words
- Spend time observing the colors and textures of autumn leaves.
- Consider taking photographs or sketching scenes that strike you as particularly artistic.
Heartfelt Reflections on Thanksgiving’s Embrace
“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.”
– Irv Kupcinet
This witty observation points to the often-futile, yet hopeful, attempts to maintain control amidst the abundance of Thanksgiving. It humorously acknowledges the collective spirit of indulgence that defines the holiday, reminding us that sometimes, letting go is part of the tradition.
How to Embody These Words
- Approach the Thanksgiving meal with a spirit of joyful acceptance rather than rigid restriction.
- If you choose to eat mindfully, do so with self-compassion, not self-recrimination.
“Most turkeys taste better the day after; my mother’s tasted better the day before.”
– Rita Rudner
Rudner’s quip playfully critiques culinary skills while highlighting the fond, perhaps exaggerated, memories of home cooking. It speaks to the emotional significance of food, often tied more to love and memory than to perfect execution.
Daily Practice
- Share a lighthearted, perhaps slightly embellished, food memory with a loved one.
- Focus on the warmth of the memory rather than the perfection of the dish.
“I like football. I find it’s an exciting strategic game. It’s a great way to avoid conversation with your family at Thanksgiving.”
– Craig Ferguson
Ferguson’s humor lies in the relatable challenge of navigating family dynamics during holidays. This quote acknowledges the potential for awkward silences or difficult conversations, offering a lighthearted escape route through a shared, engaging activity.
How to Embody These Words
- Identify a neutral, engaging activity that can bring family members together without demanding deep personal disclosure.
- Use shared activities as a gentle bridge, allowing connection to flow naturally.
“I love Thanksgiving traditions: watching football, making pumpkin pie and saying the magic phrase that sends your aunt storming out of the dining room to sit in her car.”
– Stephen Colbert
Colbert masterfully blends affection for tradition with a sharp, observational humor about the potential for familial discord. It validates the complex emotions that can arise during gatherings, acknowledging that love and exasperation often coexist.
Daily Practice
- Reflect on a family tradition, appreciating its joyful aspects while also acknowledging any underlying complexities with gentle humor.
- Practice a moment of mindful breathing if a potentially tense interaction arises.
“The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologizing for our families.”
– Jay McInerney
This poignant quote speaks to the profound importance of chosen connections when family relationships are challenging. It elevates friendship to a sacred solace, a testament to the deep bonds we forge outside of blood ties.
How to Embody These Words
- Reach out to a dear friend, expressing your gratitude for their presence in your life.
- Consider the ways your friendships have offered support and understanding.
“Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too much.”
– Johnny Carson
Carson’s classic humor cuts to the core of the Thanksgiving experience for many—the reunion with loved ones can be a double-edged sword. It acknowledges the reality that sometimes, distance truly does make the heart grow fonder, and proximity can reveal challenges.
Daily Practice
- Practice radical acceptance of the people you are gathering with, acknowledging their full humanity, quirks and all.
- Set gentle boundaries for yourself to ensure your own well-being throughout the gathering.
“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.”
– Erma Bombeck
Bombeck’s hyperbole paints a vivid picture of a family with a hearty appetite and a robust approach to food. It celebrates the abundance and perhaps the slightly excessive nature of family traditions, finding humor in the familiar.
How to Embody These Words
- Share a humorous anecdote about your own family’s particular traditions or quirks.
- Embrace a moment of joyful indulgence, remembering that traditions are often born from love and shared experience.
“My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor.”
– Phyllis Diller
Diller’s self-deprecating humor highlights the pressure and potential pitfalls of holiday cooking. It’s a reminder that the spirit of the holiday often transcends the culinary outcome, finding laughter even in kitchen mishaps.
Daily Practice
- If you are cooking, approach it with a spirit of playfulness rather than perfectionism.
- If cooking is not your forte, find joy in other contributions to the meal or gathering.
“After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relatives.”
– Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s observation suggests that shared meals possess a unique power to foster reconciliation and goodwill. It points to the simple, yet profound, act of nourishing oneself and others as a pathway to softening hearts and easing tensions.
How to Embody These Words
- Share a meal with someone you may have had friction with, focusing on creating a pleasant atmosphere.
- Notice if the shared experience of food and conversation can foster a sense of ease or understanding.
“Thanksgiving is a magical time of year when families across the country join together to raise America’s obesity statistics.”
– Stephen Colbert
Colbert humorously links the celebratory nature of Thanksgiving with its inevitable gastronomic consequences. This wry observation acknowledges the cultural embrace of feasting during the holiday, finding comedy in the shared, predictable outcome.
Daily Practice
- Savor the flavors and textures of your Thanksgiving meal with mindful appreciation.
- Engage in light physical activity before or after the meal to balance enjoyment with well-being.
“Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants.”
– Kevin James
James’ relatable punchline captures the essence of Thanksgiving overindulgence in a simple, direct way. It’s a humorous nod to the physical reality of enjoying a large meal, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.
How to Embody These Words
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease and relaxation during the festivities.
- Embrace the joy of the meal without concern for external appearances.
“I’m from Canada, so Thanksgiving to me is just Thursday with more food. And I’m thankful for that.”
– Howie Mandel
Mandel offers a charmingly straightforward perspective, highlighting the core elements of gratitude and good food, regardless of the specific cultural context. It reminds us that the essence of Thanksgiving—thankfulness—is universally accessible.
Daily Practice
- Take a moment to identify three things you are genuinely thankful for, no matter how simple.
- Savor your food, expressing quiet gratitude for the nourishment it provides.
“Thanksgiving… that is all about overeating. One of the main dishes is actually called ‘stuffing.’ Stuffing? What names did they turn down? ‘Cram-it-in?’ ‘Eat-till-you-can’t-breathe?’”
– Jim Gaffigan
Gaffigan’s observational humor zeroes in on the absurdity of holiday food names, finding comedy in the blunt reality of Thanksgiving feasting. It playfully points out how our culinary language reflects our intentions for indulgence.
How to Embody These Words
- Approach the concept of “stuffing” with a sense of lighthearted amusement.
- Enjoy the richness of the meal, acknowledging the festive intention behind such abundant dishes.
“A new survey found that 80 percent of men claim they help cook Thanksgiving dinner. Which makes sense, when you hear they consider saying ‘that smells good’ to be helping.”
– Jimmy Fallon
Fallon’s joke humorously highlights a common dynamic in shared household tasks, gently poking fun at different perceptions of “help.” It’s a relatable observation about communication and contribution within families.
Daily Practice
- If you are involved in meal preparation, communicate your needs clearly and kindly.
- Appreciate all contributions, no matter how small or differently perceived, with gratitude.
“It took me three weeks to stuff the turkey. I stuffed it through the beak.”
– Phyllis Diller
Diller’s exaggerated tale of culinary incompetence brings a smile through sheer absurdity. It’s a testament to finding humor in the most challenging or frustrating situations, especially in the kitchen.
How to Embody These Words
- If you encounter a cooking challenge, try to find a moment of lightheartedness or humor in the situation.
- Remember that the effort and intention behind the meal are often more important than flawless execution.
“Cooking tip: Wrap turkey leftovers in aluminum foil and throw them out.”
– Nicole Hollander
Hollander’s dry wit offers a humorous, albeit unconventional, solution to the abundance of leftovers. It’s a playful jab at the often-daunting prospect of managing post-holiday meals.
Daily Practice
- Plan for leftovers in a way that feels manageable and appealing to you.
- If you find yourself overwhelmed by leftovers, consider sharing them with neighbors or friends.
“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”
– Erma Bombeck
Bombeck’s astute observation humorously connects the swift consumption of a holiday feast with the structure of a football game. It points to the rituals and timings that shape our celebrations, finding comedy in the juxtaposition.
How to Embody These Words
- Savor your Thanksgiving meal, consciously slowing down to appreciate each course.
- Notice the rhythm of your own holiday traditions and find joy in their unfolding.
“My mother is such a lousy cook that Thanksgiving at her house is a time of sorrow.”
– Rita Rudner
Rudner’s sharp humor, while perhaps exaggerated, touches on the emotional weight that food can carry, especially during holidays. It acknowledges that sometimes, the reality of a tradition can be quite different from the idealized version.
Daily Practice
- Focus on the relational aspects of Thanksgiving—the connection, conversation, and shared presence—rather than solely on the food.
- Bring a dish or contribute in a way that ensures there is something you genuinely enjoy.
“Thanksgiving is the meal we aspire for other meals to resemble.”
– Jonathan Safran Foer
Foer elevates Thanksgiving dinner to an ideal, a benchmark of abundance, comfort, and shared tradition. This perspective invites us to infuse everyday meals with a greater sense of intention and appreciation.
How to Embody These Words
- Consider what elements of the Thanksgiving meal you truly cherish—perhaps the sense of gathering, the specific flavors, or the feeling of warmth.
- Infuse a regular meal with one of those cherished elements, perhaps by setting the table nicely or preparing a favorite comfort food.
“It’s not too much food. This is what we’ve been training for our whole lives. This is our destiny, this is our finest hour.”
– Lorelai Gilmore (from the TV-show The Gilmore Girls)
This quote humorously reframes excessive eating as a preordained, triumphant event. It captures the spirit of joyful abandon and shared indulgence that can characterize holiday feasts, encouraging us to embrace the moment with gusto.
Daily Practice
- Approach the Thanksgiving meal with a sense of celebratory spirit, allowing yourself to fully enjoy the abundance.
- Share a laugh with loved ones about the sheer magnitude of the feast.
“You can tell you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out.”
– Jay Leno
Leno’s classic observational humor points to a tangible, relatable sign of post-Thanksgiving fullness. It’s a lighthearted reminder of the physical effects of festive feasting, encouraging a gentle self-awareness.
How to Embody These Words
- Listen to your body’s cues throughout the meal, stopping when you feel comfortably satisfied rather than overly full.
- If you do overindulge, greet the feeling with self-compassion and perhaps a gentle stretch.
Whimsical Musings on Fall’s Gentle Farewell
“Some say fall is the season when the leaves change. I say it’s the season when my sweat pants never change.”
– Katie Nicole Felton
Felton humorously connects the changing external landscape with a cozy, internal shift towards comfort. This quote celebrates the embrace of ease and relaxation that autumn often inspires, finding joy in simple comforts.
Daily Practice
- Embrace a day of comfortable attire and allow yourself to unwind.
- Notice the feeling of ease and contentment that simple comforts can bring.
“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread and pumpkin pie.”
– Jim Davis
Davis playfully redefines “vegetables” to include beloved autumnal treats, highlighting the sweet, comforting nature of fall flavors. This quote invites us to find joy and perhaps a touch of playful deception in our seasonal indulgences.
How to Embody These Words
- Savor a slice of pumpkin pie or a piece of carrot cake, appreciating its comforting flavors and textures.
- Acknowledge the simple pleasure these “vegetables” bring, finding sweetness in the season.
“In November, the smell of food is different. It is an orange smell. A squash and pumpkin smell. It tastes like cinnamon and can fill up a house in the morning.”
– Cynthia Rylant
Rylant’s passage is a sensory masterpiece, evoking the rich, warm aromas that define autumn kitchens. It reminds us of the powerful connection between scent, memory, and the feeling of home, inviting us to immerse ourselves in these comforting fragrances.
Daily Practice
- Bake something with autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
- Open your windows on a crisp morning and allow the scents of the season to fill your space.
“On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment – halftime.”
– George Will
Will’s witty observation cleverly links the timing of Thanksgiving dinner with a beloved American pastime. It humorously points out how deeply ingrained certain traditions are, finding a shared rhythm in both feasting and football.
How to Embody These Words
- If you are watching football, appreciate the shared experience and the breaks it provides for conversation or reflection.
- Notice the shared rhythms in your own holiday traditions.
“Autumn is the hardest season. The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.”
– Andrea Gibson
Gibson imbues the falling leaves with a profound sense of surrender and passionate embrace. This poetic image transforms a natural process into an act of deep connection, inviting us to contemplate our own relationships with change and letting go.
Daily Practice
- Observe the falling leaves, not just as an end, but as a graceful descent.
- Consider what aspects of your life you might be ready to release with a similar sense of gentle surrender.
“In autumn, don’t go to jewelers to see gold; go to the parks!”
– Mehmet Murat Ildan
Ildan beautifully redirects our attention to the natural world’s inherent treasures, likening autumn foliage to precious gold. This quote encourages us to find wealth and beauty in simple, natural experiences rather than material possessions.
How to Embody These Words
- Take a walk in a park or natural setting and consciously look for the “gold” in the changing leaves and landscape.
- Reflect on the abundance of beauty that surrounds you, freely given by nature.
“Summer makes me drowsy. Autumn makes me sing. Winter’s pretty lousy, but I hate Spring.”
– Dorothy Parker
Parker’s candid and contrarian seasonal preferences offer a refreshing honesty about personal responses to the changing year. It validates that our feelings about seasons are deeply personal and not always aligned with common sentiment.
Daily Practice
- Acknowledge your own authentic feelings about the current season, without judgment.
- If autumn makes you want to “sing,” find ways to express that joy, whether through music, creative writing, or simply a lighter step.
“The meal isn’t over when I’m full. The meal is over when I hate myself.”
– Louis C.K.
This stark, humorous statement speaks to the complex relationship many have with food and self-worth. It highlights the tendency towards self-criticism after indulgence, encouraging a more compassionate approach to eating and body image.
How to Embody These Words
- Practice mindful eating, paying attention to your body’s signals of fullness and satisfaction.
- If you overindulge, offer yourself kindness and understanding rather than self-reproach.
“What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?”
– Erma Bombeck
Bombeck humorously implies that the very name “Thanksgiving” suggests a reprieve from dietary restrictions. This quote captures the spirit of joyful feasting and communal indulgence that defines the holiday for many.
Daily Practice
- Embrace the spirit of abundance and enjoyment during your Thanksgiving meal.
- Allow yourself to savor the flavors and company without the burden of strict dieting.
“I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.”
– W.C. Fields
Fields’ classic quip playfully blurs the lines between preparation and enjoyment, suggesting that the pleasure of wine is integral to the cooking process itself. It’s a humorous nod to savoring life’s simple pleasures, even in the kitchen.
How to Embody These Words
- If you enjoy a glass of wine, consider having one while you prepare your meal, savoring the ritual.
- Appreciate the small joys that enhance your daily experiences.
“If you stand in the meat section at the grocery store long enough, you start to get mad at turkeys. There’s turkey ham, turkey bologna, turkey pastrami. Someone needs to tell the turkey, ‘Man, just be yourself.’”
– Mitch Hedberg
Hedberg’s signature absurd humor finds comedy in the mundane, questioning the proliferation of turkey-based products. It’s a playful observation on conformity and authenticity, delivered with his unique, deadpan style.
Daily Practice
- Reflect on a time you felt pressured to be something you are not.
- Celebrate your own unique qualities and authentic self.
“Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring.”
– Doug Larson
Larson points to the cyclical nature of seasons and our human tendency to anticipate what comes next. This quote acknowledges the fleeting beauty of autumn and the natural human desire for renewal, even as we appreciate the present.
How to Embody These Words
- Fully appreciate the present beauty and experiences of autumn.
- Gently acknowledge the anticipation for spring without letting it overshadow the current season’s gifts.
We hope these humorous November quotes have added a smile to your face and a touch of lightness to your month; for more uplifting content, be sure to explore our collection of Inspirational Quotes.