It is almost that time of year – the leaves have fallen, San Francisco’s Indian summer is coming to an end and people are starting to wear winter appropriate outfits. As the ghosts and ghouls go back into the dark, turkeys and busy shoppers begin to appear.

Even though school is still in session, students across the Bay Area are looking forward to what November has in store for them. This November will be filled with an abundance of events to look forward to before the holiday season begins, such as devouring delicious stuffed turkey to enduring crazy Black Friday sales.

The following are five of the top things that I look forward to this November.

1.) Daylight Savings Time: Surely, overworked students everywhere are excited to fall back and get an extra hour of sleep.

On Sunday, November 2 at two o’clock in the morning, clocks around the nation will go back one hour to signify that daylight savings time has ended.

The purpose of this time change is “to make better use of daylight” and to save energy. However, people around the country look past this and instead enjoy getting more time to sleep.

As opposed to having to jump one hour ahead in the spring, people acknowledge this night because it gives them a chance to rest before another full day of chaotic activities that occur on a daily basis.

2.) The holiday red cups: The holidays have not truly started until the release of the red cups at Starbucks on Thursday, November 6. These cups are always looked forward to by customers to the point where there is a countdown online.

Peppermint mocha along with gingerbread latte are two drinks that are widely popular among Starbucks customers. This year, the well-known coffee company is introducing a new drink to their winter menu called the Chestnut Praline Latte. According to Grub Street, this new drink is “a latte with chestnut praline syrup, whipped cream and praline crumbles.”

The drinks that are presented in these holiday cups always keep Starbucks customers warm. Despite only being November, the red cups symbolize the coming of Christmas. It brings out an excitement that keeps people in the holiday spirit.

3.) Thanksgiving: Falling into a food coma after gobbling down stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes and corn bread is highly likely to occur on this day. Thursday, November 27 is a day where families spend time together, enjoy good food and give thanks for all their blessings.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a long-celebrated tradition within the United States. The three-hour event is televised nationwide which shows elaborate floats, large character balloons, talented marching bands and featured performers.

Along with grubbing down on good food and watching parades either in-person or on television, some families may also enjoy watching football. This year, the San Francisco 49ers are set to play against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium.

Aside from watching decorative floats travel down a street and men throwing a football, Thanksgiving is a day where people enjoy each other’s company. Being with family and friends is the ultimate goal on this holiday.

4.) Black Friday: On Friday, November 28, the shopping madness begins at midnight after Thanksgiving for citizens across the nation. Malls and major department stores open their doors early into the night to allow customers to begin their holiday shopping.

Doorbuster sales and early bird specials are what attract consumers to stand in line hours before opening. Electronics are the most popular bargains on this day. For example, brand name LED HDTVs can range between $1000 to $1600. The original pricing for these televisions would typically range between $1500 to $1800.

Black Friday marks the “official” day of shopping for the holiday season. Shoppers take advantage of the low pricing of products they cannot purchase on any other regular day.

5.) San Francisco Tree Lighting, Union Square: People from all over the Bay Area gather together in Union Square to watch the annual tree lighting.

According to the official website, this event which will take place on Friday, November 28 will happen “in Union Square Park between Sutter and Post and Geary and Stockton Streets, right across from the Macy’s.”

This merry ceremony features live performances, cheerful holiday music and more importantly – the eighty foot fir tree that is covered in 21,000 LED lights. When the tree is illuminated with the vast amount of twinkling lights, crowds are finally able to say, “The holidays have officially started.”

The San Francisco Tree Lighting is a great way to kick off the holiday season. It is a perfect celebration to enjoy a cup of peppermint hot chocolate with family and friends while you wait for the tree to light up the city.

This November is packed with many things to look forward to. There are many activities and events within the month that prepare individuals around the country for the holiday season. The spirit for the merry time is sparked up even though Christmas is not for another two months. With that being said, get ready for another fun-filled month packed with seasonal festivities to enjoy with your family and friends.