As the crisp air settles in and the days grow shorter, November invites us to gather, reflect, and nurture our creative spirits. This month, we celebrate the beauty of the season with activities that embrace nature, warmth, and togetherness.
Let's Get Started
November 1 - Create Your Own Felt Advent Calendar
The days are growing shorter here in the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves are falling, animals are preparing to hibernate, and we are all called to slow down and rest as the temperatures grow colder. The festival of Advent is a balancing force to this darkness and slowness. It brings anticipation and expectation while we forge our way through the darkest months. The four-week festival of Advent calls us to grow closer with the natural world around us, honoring the four kingdoms of this natural world. Craft your own felt advent calendar HERE.
November 2 - Create Your Winter Nature Table
Creating a seasonal nature table in your home is a way to bring the beauty of the natural world indoors, and to help children connect more deeply with nature. It gives them a space to collect the special treasures they've found outdoors on nature walks, and an altar of sorts to come back to for reverence. The ritual of changing the table's decorations in the beginning of each season, or month even, helps them to become aware of the natural rhythms of the year. Find your tutorial HERE.
November 3 - Have a Meditation Moment
Take a moment today to relax and meditate.
November 4 - Bake Cookies for a Neighbor
Show you care and bake some cookies to gift to a neighbor or friend.
November 5 - Have a Relaxing Dance Party
Enjoy our playlist for a fun, relaxing November.November 6 - Learn About Snowflakes
Did you know that snowflakes all have 6 sides? See what else you can learn about snowflakes today!
November 7 - Make Winter Verse Cards
November 8 - Make a Star Lantern
The festival of Martinmas is traditionally celebrated on November 11. It honors the story of St. Martin, patron saint of beggars and outcasts, who was known for his gentleness and ability to bring light and warmth to those in need. These gentle lanterns of Martinmas help us remember to kindle the warmth and light in our own spirits. Find the tutorial HERE.
November 9 - Read a New Book
Cozy up with a cup of tea and snuggle in with a new book. Find our collection of books HERE.
November 10 - Learn to Knit a Scarf
Nothing connects hands, heart, and head quite like the Waldorf practice of handwork. Its importance is woven into the very fabric of the Waldorf curriculum and is a practice that nurtures not just skills, but the development of well-rounded individuals. Knitting is a great way to incorporate handwork into your daily routine.
November 11 - Celebrate Martinmas
Martinmas, or the festival of St. Martin, is celebrated around November 11 with a nighttime lantern walk. This festival is celebrated at Waldorf schools around the world and in many homes every year. It is a wonderful way to reflect on the changing season as fall's bounty gives way to the advent of snow. Learn more about Martinmas HERE.
Try your hand at baking little rolls in the shape of pumpkins today! Perfect for Thanksgiving!
November 13 - Play Hopscotch
Enjoy the beauty of the season with a craft that uses Grapat loose pieces. Find the tutorial HERE.
November 15 - Write a Poem About Gratitude
We have so much to be thankful for. Write a poem today about something you are thankful for.
November 16 - Give a Friend a Hug or a High Five
Today, give a friend a hug or a high five depending on their preference!
November 17 - Craft a Classic Kite Paper Star
Waldorf window stars are a beautiful way to practice your handwork and decorate your windows! Using vibrant kite paper and simple techniques, we’ll guide you step-by-step to create these stars. Find the tutorial HERE.
November 18 - Create Your Gratitude Tree
Come together as a family and craft a tree that celebrates everything we have to be thankful for. Check back here for the tutorial.
November 19 - Make a Gift for a Friend
Try your hand at creating a handmade gift for a friend that they would appreciate.
November 20 - Craft Your HABA Block Menorah
The season is bright and beautiful. Celebrate and craft your own HABA Block Menorah. May the light of Hanukkah brighten your spirit and provide a path through the darkness. With every candle illuminated each night, we hope this time unfolds like a gift and provides a pause from the routine of our daily lives. Find the tutorial HERE.
November 21 - Craft Your Own Yule Tomte Peg Doll
We have an absolutely amazing tutorial from none other than Margaret Bloom! You may know her books Making Peg Dolls and Making Peg Dolls & More. Margaret created a Yule tomte tutorial, which pairs well with one of our favorite books: Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits. Even if you don't have the book that inspires the figure, this adorable little Tomte is a perfect way to encourage imaginative and open-ended play. Find the tutorial HERE.
November 22 - Make a Cup of Hot Tea
Tea is always a good idea. Have a peaceful moment as you sip away on a fresh cup.
November 23 - Volunteer at a Local Aid Center
Take a moment and see how you can volunteer and get involved with a local aid center. With all the blessings we are often given, it's nice to give back!
November 24 - Go on a Cool Winter Walk
The weather is getting chilly, so throw on a sweater and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.
Cranberry sauce is delicious, but have you ever made your own? Today, try to make your very own cranberry sauce!
November 26 - Go to a Local Library or Local Event
Libraries are incredible resources for learning, reading, and celebrating the community. Visit one today and see what you find!
November 27 - Make Your own DIY Holiday House Gift Bags
Today our friend Satu from Me + Kiddo Patterns is sharing the sweetest House Pocket Gift Bags. Attach them to your gift wrap, tuck a few treats into them to hang on your neighbors doors, or make a whole advent calendar filled with activity ideas to last all season long! Find the tutorial HERE.
November 28 - Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate. From all of us at Bella Luna Toys, we are so thankful for you and your support.
November 29 - Donate No Longer Used Toys
The holidays are coming, take today to go through your toys and items, and those that are no longer in use, donate to a local aid center!
November 30 - Make Holiday Candles
Looking to add flair to your advent table or bring a truly unique gift to a holiday gathering? These fabulous candles may be exactly what you're looking for. Young children can decorate candles with a rainbow of color and older children can experiment with patterning, symmetry and other math concepts in this hands-on learning experience. Find the tutorial HERE.
Leave a comment