Turkey Day is almost here, and with it, tons of traditions and festive fun that we look forward to every year. Beyond the turkey and the pumpkin pie, there are always activities that are great for young and old alike, says John Moniz, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham.
“Thanksgiving is a great holiday because, even though it can be a lot of work, it’s also a day that’s just about gathering, eating and celebrating with the people you love,” John says. “This year, many of us are able to gather again in person, which will make 2021’s celebration even more fun and meaningful.”
As you start planning for your Thanksgiving gathering, here are some ideas of activities that are perfect for every type of senior – and, really, every type of person. From the creative types to the football fanatics, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.
The Fun & Festive One
We all know this person – the one who dresses up in seasonal style for every holiday and really gets into the spirit of festivities. And there’s no better way to kick off Thanksgiving than with the ultimate annual tradition – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The 95th parade will be taking place LIVE on the streets of NYC from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, November 25. Get ready for a spectacular showcase of giant balloons, fantastic floats, exciting performers and even more fun.
The Sports Enthusiast
Thanksgiving and football just go together like pumpkin pie and whipped cream. For this senior, cheering the team on before and after the Thanksgiving meal is a celebrated tradition that makes the day complete. The NFL is showcasing a trio of games that fans can watch while enjoying turkey and stuffing with friends and family. Here’s the lineup:
- Bears at Lions (Thursday, Nov. 25 at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX)
- Raiders at Cowboys (Thursday, Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
- Bills at Saints (Thursday, Nov. 25 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC)
The Food Lover
Thanksgiving is all about the food, and for this celebrant, making the food is just as enjoyable and meaningful as sitting down and eating it. This year, beyond the traditional trappings and tastes, consider trying a new recipe or add a twist to a family favorite (just don’t touch Grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe!). While you’re prepping the meal, turn on NPR’s annual The Splendid Table Turkey Confidential, which for years has been a Thanksgiving Day rescue resource as the hosts take calls from home chefs, kitchen helpers and guests during the biggest cooking day of the year. After listening to it, you may be inspired to whip up a batch of the famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) Mama Stamberg’s cranberry relish.
The Artist
The Thanksgiving table isn’t complete until it’s laid out with seasonal decor, fabulous cutlery and a dash or two of whimsey. Decor can take all shapes and sizes, and by doing a quick search on “Thanksgiving table decor,” you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with ideas for activities and festive touches. Some seniors may relish the idea of pulling out all the stops for decorations, and if that’s the case, go for it! However, if you’re looking for something that’s just as showstopping but a little easier, here are some suggestions of activities and ideas:
- Collect fall foliage and other seasonal items, like acorns and pinecones, and set up cornucopias around the dinner table.
- Hollow out small pumpkins (or gourds) and use them as candlesticks to add a glow to your table.
- Instead of breaking out the fine china and silver, pick up some fancy disposable plates and cutlery – these days, you can find items that look just as good as the real thing, and you don’t have to wash up afterward!
- Make the food the star of the table with a smorgasbord of beautiful serving dishes. Bonus points if they are family pieces and come with a story attached. In fact, you can literally do that – place a small card next to each piece that tells people where the items came from and what they mean to you.
Thanksgiving 2021 is set up to be fun and meaningful for us, particularly if we were unable to be with friends and loved ones last year. Whatever your favorite part of the season is – making the meal, watching football, setting the table – take some time to pause and give thanks that we’re all together again. That, after all, is what Thanksgiving is all about!
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