Welcome to the month of change.

The leaves fall, temperatures drop, and the days get shorter.

As someone who relishes sun-filled skies, warmer weather and extended daylight hours, November is the antithesis of what I enjoy most.

It’s a month of transition, and in more ways than one.

Indeed, November is chock-full of important days and holidays.

For starters, daylight saving time ended on Nov. 3.

I’ve already begun the countdown to when daylight saving time begins on March 9.

In keeping with the theme of change, a new president has been elected to lead our country in the wake of this year’s presidential election.

That in and of itself certainly marks a shift in that the Republicans have taken control of the U.S. Senate for the first time in four years.

How exactly that decision will shape our nation in the years to come figures to be both captivating and crucial.

Having personally canvassed portions of the region on Election Day, it was rather apparent voters were anxious to have their voices heard.

Veterans Day marked yet another significant day and is a time to honor our military.

Countless veterans marched in parades, visited schools and met with their comrades in a wonderful show of solidarity.

To observe veterans share stories of what it was like to be on the front lines only further stressed the sheer gravity of their service.

Their selfless acts of bravery can never truly be repaid, though we should do our best to express our gratefulness for their sacrifices.

Yet another holiday is upon us in the form of Thanksgiving, where families will gather at their tables Thursday to reflect on their blessings.

For many, the day kicks off the official start of the holiday season.

It is around this time when many families traditionally hunker down to scope out and saw off their favorite Christmas tree.

Local tree farms in the area make their hay, so to speak, this time of year as families join together in unison.

At around the same time, shoppers will undoubtedly start the frenzy in search of the top Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

Yours truly has yet to begin his Christmas shopping, but I’m not sweating it.

Of course with that comes decorations, as many will surely be busy putting up their favorite holiday décor.

Did I mention that November is also the time of year when the average first measurable snow generally arrives?

Let’s just pretend that I didn’t, and cross our fingers that we’re in for another good winter.

One that’s bereft of frigid temperatures and major snowstorms.

Our oil tanks, not to mention our wallets, would assuredly be most grateful.