You’ve been preparing for Thanksgiving all month. From cleaning the house to cooking annual dishes, it takes a couple of weeks to check all the items off your list. Now that your house is bustling with relatives and friends, you take a second to gaze around the room and truly feel grateful. While the air buzzes with conversation and the low rumble of relatives’ stomachs, you notice your elderly relatives quietly on the couch. They are the heart of the family, but as they get on in years, are they enjoying the festivities as much as everyone else?
Over this upcoming Thanksgiving celebration, we’ve made a list of activities you can do with the whole family. These thanksgiving activities range from artistic to adventurous but promise to make life-long memories.
Outdoor Thanksgiving Activities
Depending on where you live, November might have the last warm days until Spring. This time of year is perfect for bundling up in layers and going outdoors to enjoy the fresh scent of pine and hear the crush of leaves beneath your feet. Consider the following outdoor thanksgiving activities with your parents.
1. Make A Pumpkin Patch In The Backyard
With Thanksgiving falling late in November, most fields have already closed down. In public pumpkin patches, your elderly parents might struggle with the terrain. Recreating this experience at home ensures their comfort. Bring a chair outdoors, provide blankets and warm refreshments, and everyone will lose track of time being together. You can choose to arrange squashes, pumpkins, or gourds to your pleasure and get everyone outside for a captured candid shot.
2. Taking A Family Stroll
We only recommend this thanksgiving activity if your parents are capable and comfortable standing for long periods. Bundle up and choose a local neighborhood with a farmer’s market or nostalgic qualities. Did you use to live there when you were growing up? Would you travel to this particular ice cream store as a child? It’s a great chance to get some exercise before the Thanksgiving feast and spend quality time together.
Artistic Thanksgiving Activities
Instead of leaving the warmth of your home, these artistic thanksgiving activities happen in the living room.
3. Making A Scrap Book
This activity is excellent for the entire family to participate in. Ask your parents to bring over some pictures and create a space everyone can return to. This is also a great chance for your parents to share their stories with you.
4. Pumpkin Or Squash Decorating
If your parents already have a panache for painting, why not give them a creative canvas this year? Buy local pumpkins, squash, eggplants, or even corn and let everyone’s imaginations soar. There is no wrong way to spend time together while painting legumes. Enjoy the process and treasure the picture for years to come!
Generational Thanksgiving Activities
We love to suggest the following activities to connect the entire family, regardless of age. The bonus to these activities is the memories that you’ll talk about for years to come.
5. Charades
We hope that charades can get everyone up and moving after a heavy Thanksgiving dinner. It’s interesting seeing our parents act out popular phrases or movies. We know our interpretation will give them a good chuckle. Entertainment has changed over the years, but charades are still classically fun!
6. Create A Family Recipe Book
Make this year the moment you record your mother’s famous stuffing or your father’s double roasted potatoes. Creating a family recipe book is an excellent heirloom for future generations. You can also do this by using a video camera instead of writing down the steps.
Thanksgiving Activities At 12 Oaks
In our communities, we have so many things to feel grateful for. Every day we love listening to our resident’s vibrant stories and watching them make new friends or try new activities. This Thanksgiving, we’ll be spending the day eating delicious food and focusing on what the future holds for our family.
If you are considering a senior living community, we are excited to answer any questions or book an online tour. Please find out how the Symphony of Life® continues with our dazzling residents.
If you have questions about Thanksgiving activities, connect with us and learn more.
At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while still leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks community is an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.
For questions or to book a scheduled personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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