Armistice Day was created to recognize the end of World War I in “the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month.” Rechristened Veterans Day in 1954, Nov. 11 recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of all who serve in the U.S. military. Observances often include parades, memorials, speeches and other events, but if COVID-19 has disrupted local plans, you can always livestream the VA’s National Veterans Day Observance on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, which starts at starting at 11 a.m. EST with the laying of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
How to Use an ‘Extra’ Hour
Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7, when most U.S. households turn their clocks back one hour. That means people will be able to take adavantage of an “extra” hour to do whatever they see fit.
In actuality, the hour isn’t “extra” at all, having been borrowed from the clock earlier in the year to provide more daylight in the warmer months. You may feel like like going to bed earlier for a few days, but plan now to make the most of that extra time.
Dreamed up by a New Zealand entomologist and an English golf aficionado who wanted longer daylight hours for their pursuits, DST has long been championed as a way to conserve energy. Its first widespread use came during World War I as a strategy to conserve coal.
Most of the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and France never completely abandoned the practice, although it remains unpopular among dairy farmers. DST has become so popular among retailers and the general public, in fact, that four U.S. states have advanced proposals to make it permanent.
So what will you do with that “extra” hour? The first, most obvious option is to sleep though it in order to adjust to the new schedule faster. If you wake up early instead, you can use the hour to do some of the household winterizing chores you’ve been putting off.
Alternatively, you can take that extra hour and use it to #organize, #decutter and #clean a single spot in your home — a drawer, desktop, shelf, closet or room — and benefit from a newly streamlined space throughout the winter.
If you really want to thrive through the darkest months, consider making this a practice every week. Take one hour — any hour in the week — and use it to organize. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish if you set aside the time and make #organizing a part of your routine.
If you find any articles of #clothing, small appliances or other household items that have some life left in them, bag or box them and take one of your extra minutes to contact ClothingDonations.org for a #contactless #donation pickup.
Time is the most precious commodity we have. Take advantage of your “extra” hour this week, no matter how you choose to spend it.
Host an Outdoor Scary Movie Night
If you have decent weather, one good way to celebrate Halloween in a safe, socially distanced manner is to host an outdoor movie night. All you need is a digital projector, a screen, blankets and chairs, and some seasonal treats and beverages. If it’s a kids’ party, Milwaukee Mom suggests titles such as Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters, Addams Family and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. If you’re hosting adults only, you can go gorier with classics such as Halloween and Friday the 13th or any number of spooky genre flicks. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips
Try an Outdoor Trunk-or-Treat
The Trunk-or-Treat has become “a popular alternative to trick-or-treating” in many areas during the pandemic, says The Curious Frugal. Families put on their costumes, decorate the trunks of their cars and meet at an outdoor location to celebrate and exchange treats. Add a spooky soundtrack, and it’s almost as good as going door-to-door — only safer. “There is a middle ground between doing everything and not being safe or careful, and canceling #Halloween completely,” the story says. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips
Mask Up for a Safe Halloween
Reasonable precautions to observe as you and the family celebrate #Halloween this year include wearing mask to reduce the chance of transmission, says The Conversation. Kids can wear them under their costumes, or incorporate them into the costume itself; adults should wear them when dispensing treats. Have children wash their hands or use sanitizer frequently, especially before eating candy. Celebrating outside reduces the risk of anyone transmitting the virus, and those exhibiting symptoms of illness should get tested and skip the celebrations altogether. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips