November dates to Remember:

November 11 – Veterans Day

Today we honor the men and women who have served our country and recognize that support should extend beyond a simple thank-you. Listening, checking in, and making space for honest conversations are meaningful ways to support the veterans in our lives. Those who have served deserve to feel seen, valued, and supported throughout the year.

November 13 – World Kindness Day

We do not always know what someone else is carrying. A thoughtful message, a genuine invitation, or a few minutes spent listening can help someone feel less alone. World Kindness Day reminds us that each of us has the opportunity to make others feel seen and valued—often through the smallest everyday actions.

November 19 – Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout encourages people who smoke to take a step toward quitting, whether that means making a plan or reaching out for support. It is also an opportunity to talk with young people about nicotine and the importance of prevention. Change can be difficult, and encouragement without judgment matters.

November 19 – Children’s Grief Awareness Day

Children and teens grieve, too, and their grief may not always look the way adults expect. This day reminds us to acknowledge their loss, listen without trying to fix their feelings, and continue showing up long after the funeral. Saying their loved one’s name and welcoming memories can help remind them that their person—and their grief—has not been forgotten.

November 21 – International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

This day brings together people who have lost someone to suicide, offering connection, understanding, and support through shared experiences. There is no single way to grieve and no timeline for healing. We can support those grieving by listening without judgment, remembering their loved ones, and continuing to reach out beyond anniversaries and special dates.

November 26 – Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can hold both gratitude and grief. While some gather with joy, others are navigating an empty chair, difficult relationships, or feelings of loneliness. This season, consider making an extra phone call, extending an invitation, or simply asking someone how they are really doing. We can be thankful for what we have while still deeply missing someone we love.

Surviving the Holidays



Lutheran Church of Hope

925 Jordan Creek Pkwy.

West Des Moines, IA 50266

When Holiday Stress Builds, Take a Step—Literally



The holidays can bring joy, but they can also bring packed schedules, financial worries, grief, and pressure to make everything “just right.” When it starts to feel like too much, a simple walk or a little movement can be one way to care for yourself.

The research is encouraging:

• Even one session can help. According to the CDC, a single session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, such as a brisk walk, can reduce feelings of anxiety and improve sleep.
• Walking is worth taking seriously. A 2024 review of 218 studies involving 14,170 participants found that walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training helped reduce depression symptoms. The researchers noted limitations in the quality of the evidence, but the findings support exercise as part of depression care.
• The benefits extend beyond depression. A separate review covering 1,039 trials and more than 128,000 participants found that physical activity improved symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.

You do not need an expensive gym membership or a perfect workout routine to begin. Start with a manageable five- or ten-minute walk. Invite a friend to join you. Walk indoors when Iowa weather makes going outside difficult. Put on music and move around the house, or make time for a workout you enjoy.

Let movement be a break you give yourself, rather than another obligation on your holiday checklist. Some days, a short walk may be what feels possible—and that is a place to start.

Exercise does not make every problem disappear, and it does not replace professional support when needed. But it can be a helpful part of caring for your mental health.

This holiday season, give yourself permission to pause, lace up your shoes, and take a little time for you.

Sources: CDC: Benefits of Physical Activity, The BMJ: Exercise for Depression, and British Journal of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Mental Health. CDC

Family Traditions: Love Them or Hate Them?

Every family has them. The dish that must be on the Thanksgiving table, even though hardly anyone eats it. The annual photo that takes 27 attempts. The same stories, the same games, and the person who insists, “But we’ve always done it this way!”

For some, these traditions are the best part of the holidays. For others, they can feel like one more expectation in an already busy season. And sometimes, we feel both ways about the very same tradition.

Traditions can give us a sense of belonging. A familiar recipe, a favorite movie, or a gathering we look forward to can connect generations and remind us of people we love. Often, what matters most is simply knowing we have a place in something shared.

But families change.

Children grow up, schedules shift, relationships evolve, and people we love may no longer be at the table. Something that once brought joy may now feel exhausting or painful. We can honor what a tradition meant while allowing it to look different today.

Before the holiday rush, ask your family: What is one tradition you love, and what is one you would be comfortable changing? You may discover that nobody minds skipping the elaborate meal, but everyone wants to keep playing cards afterward. Ask the kids, too. What they remember most may surprise you.

New traditions do not have to be complicated. Take a walk after dinner. Cook a family recipe together. Invite someone who would otherwise spend the day alone. Put phones away for a game, or have everyone share a funny memory from the year.

And if someone chooses to sit something out, leave room for that. An invitation can still be loving without becoming an obligation.

This holiday season, keep the traditions that bring connection, adjust the ones that create unnecessary pressure, and make room for something new.



“We’ve always done it this way” can start a conversation. It does not have to end it.

988

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

You don’t have to wait until a crisis to reach out. If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is available 24/7, free and confidential.

Your reason is reason enough.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!



EVENTS IN IOWA

Events in November:

Relapse Prevention Group

• When: November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 5–6 p.m.
• Where: All Care Health Center, 902 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: A free, confidential recovery support group guided by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, offering connection and support for individuals working to maintain recovery. (All Care Health Center) All Care Health Center

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — Marion

• When: November 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Faith Life Church, 8300 C Avenue NE, Marion, Iowa
• Focus: A faith-based grief support workshop for people facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. Registration is $15 and includes a holiday survival guide; scholarships are available. (GriefShare) GriefShare

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Group

• When: November 6, 13, and 20, 2026, from 1–2 p.m.
• Where: All Care Health Center, 902 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: A free group offering dialectical behavioral therapy support. Participants must call 712-325-1990 to register and reserve a spot. (All Care Health Center) All Care Health Center

Minds Matter: Mental Health Resource Fair

• When: November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Where: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Iowa City, Iowa
• Focus: A free community event connecting individuals and families with mental health organizations, speakers, and local resources. The day includes conversations about suicide awareness, resilience, and children’s mental health, alongside the Homemade with Heart Craft Sale. (St. Andrew Presbyterian Church) Minds Matter 2026

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — Adel

• When: November 7, 2026, from 9–11 a.m.
• Where: New Hope Church, 25712 Old Highway 6, Adel, Iowa
• Focus: A faith-based workshop offering practical tools for navigating the holidays after a loss, with a video presentation, group discussion, and encouragement from others who understand grief. (Life 107.1) Life 107.1

University of Iowa Veterans Flag Display

• When: November 9–15, 2026
• Where: West Lawn of the Pentacrest, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
• Focus: A community tribute honoring veterans through a flag display arranged in the shape of a block “I.” Each flag represents a veteran recognized by family, friends, or loved ones, with information about their service attached. (University of Iowa) The University of Iowa

Talk Saves Lives — Carroll

• When: November 10, 2026; check registration for the time
• Where: Carroll, Iowa; check registration for the venue
• Focus: An American Foundation for Suicide Prevention community presentation about suicide prevention and what individuals can do to help save lives. (AFSP Registration) AFSP

NAMI Connection Peer Recovery Support Group — Davenport

• When: November 10, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa
• Focus: A free peer support gathering for adults living with mental health conditions, providing opportunities to connect and share experiences. (NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley) NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

Veterans Day at Iowa Veterans Cemetery

• When: November 11, 2026, at 8 a.m.
• Where: Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, near Van Meter, Iowa; Adel mailing address
• Focus: Iowa’s official Veterans Day ceremony, bringing veterans, families, students, and community members together to honor military service. The event is free and open to the public, with a livestream available. (Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs) Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Day at Iowa Veterans Home

• When: November 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, Iowa
• Focus: A public recognition ceremony honoring veterans and connecting generations of service members, families, and community supporters. A livestream will also be available. (Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs) Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

NAMI Family Support Group — Davenport/One Eighty

• When: November 11, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Where: One Eighty, Davenport, Iowa
• Focus: Support for family and friends of people living with substance use disorders or other mental health challenges, with opportunities to learn from others facing similar circumstances. (NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley) NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

NAMI LGBTQ+ Connection Support Group

• When: November 11 and 25, 2026, from 6–7:30 p.m.
• Where: Robert W. Mickle Neighborhood Business and Resource Center, 1620 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A free, in-person mental health support group where LGBTQ+ community members can connect, share experiences, and support one another. No registration is required. (NAMI Iowa) NAMI Iowa

NAMI Family Support Group — Muscatine

• When: November 12, 2026, from 6–7 p.m.
• Where: Musser Public Library, Muscatine, Iowa
• Focus: A supportive gathering for family members and friends navigating a loved one’s mental health or substance use challenges. (NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley) NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

WISE: Wellness Initiative for Senior Education

• When: November 12, 2026, from 1–3 p.m.
• Where: Madrid Public Library, Madrid, Iowa
• Focus: A free educational session within a six-session series addressing healthy aging, medication management, the effects of substance use, and recognizing personal stress triggers. (City of Madrid) madridiowa.org

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — Polk City

• When: November 14, 2026, from 9–11 a.m.
• Where: Lakeside Fellowship, 1121 West Bridge Road, Polk City, Iowa
• Focus: A grief support workshop offering practical suggestions for handling holiday traditions, social gatherings, and difficult emotions after a loved one’s death. Participants can share or simply listen and will receive a holiday survival guide. (Lakeside Fellowship) Lakeside Fellowship

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — Lutheran Church of Hope

• When: November 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A free, faith-based workshop offering community, small-group discussion, and practical guidance for navigating the holiday season while grieving. Childcare is available; register through the church’s event link. (GriefShare) GriefShare

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — Cedar Rapids

• When: November 19, 2026, from 2–4 p.m.
• Where: Calvary Baptist Church, 5338 Johnson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Focus: A free grief support gathering offering a video presentation and conversation about coping with loss during the holidays. Registration is encouraged, but people who have not registered are welcome. (GriefShare) GriefShare

NAMI Family Support Group — Davenport

• When: November 19, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa
• Focus: A gathering for family and friends seeking understanding and support as they help someone living with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. (NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley) NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

NAMI Iowa Annual Mental Health Conference

• When: November 20, 2026
• Where: Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A statewide conference featuring mental health education, lived experiences, speakers, and community resources. Topics include recovery, youth suicide prevention, and substance use among young people. Registration is required. (NAMI Iowa) NAMI Iowa

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — Mason City

• When: November 21, 2026, from 9 a.m.–noon
• Where: Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, 320 North Eisenhower Avenue, Mason City, Iowa
• Focus: A free gathering for people who have lost someone to suicide, offering connection, understanding, and hope through shared experiences. (Mason City Chamber Event Listing) Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — Urbandale

• When: November 21, 2026; check registration for the time
• Where: Urbandale, Iowa; check registration for the venue
• Focus: An AFSP-listed gathering for people affected by suicide loss to connect with others who understand and find support through shared experiences. (AFSP Registration) AFSP

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — Spencer

• When: November 21, 2026; check registration for the time
• Where: Spencer, Iowa; check registration for the venue
• Focus: An AFSP-listed gathering providing connection and support for individuals and families grieving someone who died by suicide. (AFSP Registration) AFSP

Life Is Beautiful — Mental Health Benefit

• When: November 21, 2026, from noon–6 p.m.
• Where: Raccoon Motel, 315 East Second Street, Davenport, Iowa
• Focus: An afternoon of music, poetry, and comedy raising awareness and funds for NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley’s free mental health education and support programs. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. (NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley) NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

Festival of Trees — Davenport

• When: November 21–29, 2026; closed Thanksgiving Day
• Where: RiverCenter, 136 East Third Street, Davenport, Iowa
• Focus: A community holiday celebration featuring decorated displays, family activities, and seasonal entertainment. November 22 is designated Military Day. (Davenport RiverCenter) davenportlive.com

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays — St. Francis of Assisi

• When: November 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: St. Francis of Assisi, Clare Room, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A free, faith-based grief workshop offering support for those facing the holiday season after the death of a loved one. (GriefShare) GriefShare

Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Food Donation Day

• When: November 25, 2026, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Where: Hope Café/Bethel Mission, 1310 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: An opportunity to give back by donating food to support thousands of Thanksgiving meals and ongoing meal services for neighbors in need. Donors can also learn more about the ministry’s shelter services. (Hope Ministries) Hope Ministries

Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Outreach

• When: November 26, 2026; advance arrangements are needed for meal delivery and volunteering
• Where: Hope Café, Des Moines, Iowa, with meal deliveries throughout the Des Moines area
• Focus: Free Thanksgiving meals for individuals and families in need, with opportunities for volunteers to help assemble, serve, and deliver meals while sharing care and connection during the holiday. (Hope Ministries) Hope Ministries

Festival of Trees & Lights — Blank Children’s Hospital

• When: November 27–28, 2026, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; November 29 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Where: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, 833 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A family holiday event benefiting Blank Children’s Hospital, featuring decorated trees, local performances, children’s activities, and visits with Santa. Admission is $10; children age 2 and younger are free. (Blank Children’s Hospital) unitypoint.org



Hy-Vee Holiday Parade

• When: November 28, 2026, from 10 a.m.–noon
• Where: Downtown Des Moines, Iowa
• Focus: A community holiday celebration bringing families, friends, and neighbors together to enjoy a festive parade and kick off the holiday season. (Des Moines Parent) desmoinesparent.com

If your organization has an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our newsletter, please contact us.



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