For most of us, December is the month of holiday celebrations. After all, it is the last month of the year (according to the Gregorian calendar at least) and the time when people all around the world celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia’s Day, Pancha Ganapati, or Winter Solstice, to name just a few.
However, the months before also bring a lot to the plate. If you are one of those people who count down the days until New Year’s Eve, we have some great events this November to pass the time and distract yourself from the cold (or heat if you find yourself in the southern hemisphere and summer is knocking on your door).
The Halloween Groove
The celebrations already started at the end of October when our members around the world got ready to get their Halloween groove on. Witches and monsters flocked to our events and zombies walked around, hunting for brains.
Great Halloween parties have indeed become a tradition for our Frankfurt Community. The wonderful people of the Champions Bar at the Marriott even decorated the venue especially for us. While spooky costumes were optional, InterNations members brought their A-game to this Frankfurt Halloween event. The best costumes won a small prize.
Who says you can’t be scary and classy at the same time? Our members in Strasbourg combined the fun and excitement of a Halloween party with the delight for the taste buds that only a wine tasting can provide. With vampires, witches and one bad-tempered ghost all enjoying delicious wines and candy, this ghost wine party in Strasbourg was a huge success.
Clad in feathers, rhinestones and sequins, members of the San Francisco Community celebrated Halloween in Moulin Rouge style. The guests of this Halloween party surely dressed to impress. However, aside from cancan dancers and the phantom of the opera, some monsters had found their way to this San Francisco Halloween party as well.
Our community in Chisinau went back to the roots of this American holiday. They hosted their Halloween party at a traditional American barbecue place, the Smokehouse. InterNations members got to enjoy some delicious snacks and drinks while voting for the best, the sexiest, and the scariest costume. It was a tough choice, considering all the great costumes at this Halloween party in Chisinau.
The Festival of Lights
A November holiday which originated on the other side of the globe is Diwali. Officially starting on 11 November this year, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. It is one of the most important celebrations of the season and is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and many other countries.
The After Work Drinks Group in Dubai hosted a Diwali dinner for its members and their friends. They met at a traditional Indian restaurant to celebrate the festival of lights while enjoying the ambience and delicious authentic food.
The Munich Namaste Group went all out and celebrated Diwali with fanfare and fireworks. Members of the group were asked to dress in colorful Indian outfits and meet at the Kulturhaus Milbertshofen for music, dance, and Indian food.
Our Bangalore Volunteer Group took the opportunity to combine the Diwali festivities with a good cause. Members donated books, crayons, chocolates, and other toys and sweets, which were given to underprivileged kids on Diwali. A small gesture that put a smile on everyone’s face!
Turkey and Pumpkin Pie: Oh My!
Halloween events and Diwali aside, there are many more occasions to celebrate this month. On Thursday, 26 November, many expats in and from the USA will celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday to be grateful, peaceful and share a huge feast with your family and friends. Although Thanksgiving is not quite as widely celebrated as Halloween, members in more and more of our communities are getting together for Thanksgiving dinners and potlucks. 
InterNations Orange County invites all of their members to a pre-Thanksgiving celebration on Friday, 20 November. This is the perfect opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and be grateful before the usual mixing and mingling.
Members of the Basel Women Only Group are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with their Group Consul on Saturday, 28 November. It’s a potluck-style activity and every guest gets to bring some food that is typical for their country of origin. So dust off your recipe books!
The Honolulu Outdoor Action Group has their own way of celebrating Thanksgiving: a pool party! Members meet on Saturday, 28 November, for a post-Thanksgiving party. Aside from the swimming and soaking in the hot tub, there will be the traditional potluck dinner to enjoy. Bring an appetizer, main dish or dessert, and, of course, a towel!
Members of the Newcastle Social Dining Group will get together for a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, 26 November. This is your chance to find out what this holiday is all about and if American food is more than just burgers and fries.
Homemade Thanksgiving Turkey on a Plate with Stuffing and Potatoes
There is plenty to do before the year ends and, of course, these holidays are not the only festive occasions in November. What are you celebrating this month?
(Image credit: 1)-5) InterNations, 6) + 7) iStockphoto)