Finally, Thanksgiving is upon us! A time filled with friends, family, great food, and laughter. However, one thing that makes this holiday different from other American holidays is its emphasis on gratefulness. Thanksgiving is all about appreciating those around us and being grateful for the things we have, aside from its historical significance of course. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a friend, the holidays provide a great opportunity to keep your relationship with a senior strong. Here are a few fun activities for family members and seniors to participate in:

Baking

This is a great activity for seniors as well as the whole family, especially since food is a staple at Thanksgiving. Some things worth baking during this season are things like pumpkin pie, apple pie, cheesecake, or simple things like chocolate-chip cookies. The children can also join, helping bake the cookies and then decorating them. For healthier baked goods, one can look online or ask the senior for some dessert recipes. What would make the senior happier than baking something from their childhood?

Relive Moments Through Scrapbooking

If you have a pile of photographs that you’ve been saving, now is the perfect time to bring them out! This is also a great activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s as a photograph and recalling when it was snapped might jog their memory. Decorating the scrapbook with stickers and other items might even invite the kids to join in as well. Later on, the kids will inherit the scrapbooks and be able to look back on the great memories they’ve made.

Holiday Decorating

Decorating the house for the holidays is another festive activity which seniors can most definitely participate in. Put out some cinnamon-scented pine cones or even some autumn colored trinkets to the space. Go outside and collect some beautiful fall-time leaves which have fallen down. Another great idea is taking the senior to a pumpkin patch and picking out some pumpkins to decorate the front of the house.

Shopping

Many might overlook this festive activity, however seniors can be brought along to help with the Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only will they be great company, but they might also provide some tips for which items to purchase. Have the senior hold the shopping list and keep track of all the items you buy, this will ensure that nothing is forgotten. After that, have the senior pick a place where they would like to eat and thank them for their help.