November: A Month for Gratitude, Family, and Connection
November is a month to focus on gratitude, family, and connection.
It’s the season of reflection, when we pause to notice the good around us, give thanks for what we have, and share meaningful moments with others. Whether you’re nurturing community on your property or simply seeking to slow down and reconnect, November is full of opportunities to build relationships, reflect, and express thankfulness for yourself and your residents.
National Gratitude Month
Every November, social media feeds overflow with gratitude challenges, and for good reason. Gratitude changes perspective. When you focus on what’s good, your brain literally has less room for what’s negative.
Encourage residents (and yourself!) to pause and practice thankfulness in simple, visible ways.
Ideas:
Create a Gratitude Tree or Thankful Jar where residents can write what they’re grateful for.
Provide small “gratitude cards” they can fill out and hang in the office or community room.
Share your own gratitude moments in newsletters or social posts to inspire others.
Gratitude is powerful year-round, but this month, it’s a beautiful reminder that joy multiplies when shared.
Family Stories Month
November is also Family Stories Month, a time to honor the legacy of the people who came before us.
Encourage residents to visit with loved ones this season, asking questions, listening deeply, and recording the stories that make each family unique.
Idea: Host a “Story Swap” Social where residents bring a favorite family story or photo to share. Provide notebooks or voice-recording prompts to help capture those priceless memories before they fade. Every generation has rich history to tell, let’s make sure it’s heard and remembered.
National Family Literacy Month
Books have a way of bringing people together. Celebrate National Family Literacy Month by creating experiences that spark connection through reading.
Ideas:
Partner with your local library for a Storytime & Snacks event.
Host a Family Book Swap or “bring-a-book, take-a-book” shelf in your community room.
Encourage residents to share the books that have inspired or comforted them most.
When families read together, they don’t just build literacy, they build bonds.
National Children’s Month
If you manage a multifamily property, November is the perfect time to celebrate kids and nurture their well-being.
Ideas:
Set up weekly seasonal crafts like leaf collages or gratitude bracelets.
Plan a Character Counts! week highlighting honesty, kindness, and respect.
Host a Fall Family Fun Night with simple games and snacks.
Little moments of fun can have a big impact on how children feel about their home and community.
Veterans Day – November 11
Take time to honor the veterans in your community.
Ideas:
Host a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon or Coffee Hour.
Create a Wall of Honor with photos and service branches.
Encourage residents to write thank-you notes to those who have served.
Recognizing veterans isn’t just about the past—it’s about showing gratitude for their continued strength and service.
World Kindness Day – November 13
One small act of kindness can spark a ripple effect through your entire community.
Ideas:
Create a Kindness Challenge Board for residents to complete simple tasks (like complimenting a neighbor or leaving an encouraging note).
Partner with a local charity for a Volunteer Day.
Kindness builds connection faster than anything else—and it costs nothing to give.
National Family PJ Day – November 14
Encourage residents to embrace the cozy side of November!
Idea: Host a Family Pajama Movie Night complete with popcorn and hot cocoa—or invite residents to share photos of their matching PJs on your community Facebook page. Sometimes, fun and laughter are the best ways to connect.
Thankful for My Dog Day – November 23
Dog owners know—pets are family too!
Ideas:
Create a “Wall of Thanks” with photos of residents’ pups.
Host a Pet Parade or Paws & Play Day at your dog park.
Our furry friends remind us daily of loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love.
National Family Health History Day – November 27
As families gather for Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to talk about health history.
Encourage residents to ask questions, share information, and learn about their family’s health patterns. Knowledge is power, and understanding your family’s story can protect future generations.
Native American Heritage Day – November 29
Honor the rich traditions and stories of Native American cultures.
Ideas:
Share educational resources or local events celebrating Native heritage.
Invite residents of Native descent to share about their family traditions, art, or stories.
Diversity deepens community—and celebrating it strengthens belonging.
The Heart of November
However you choose to engage your residents this month, remember: connection is built one small, intentional act at a time.
Lead with gratitude. Celebrate stories. Create spaces where people feel seen and valued.
Because when we invest in people, we strengthen the heart of our communities, and that’s something worth being thankful for.
