Heartfelt Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors to Enjoy with Family

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with family and friends and recognizing all that we’re grateful for. Including seniors in the festivities makes the holiday even more meaningful, and at Hollenbeck Palms, we cherish the chance to create warm, memorable moments.

Here are some engaging and heartfelt Thanksgiving activities that you and your loved ones can do to bring everyone together and make this season unforgettable for seniors and their families.

• Enjoy a Morning of Thanksgiving Crafts Together

Kick off Thanksgiving Day with a fun crafting session. Set up an area where everyone can create simple decorations like mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or festive garlands. Whether painting mini gourds, making leaf garlands, or crafting gratitude cards, this activity allows for creativity, relaxation, and plenty of bonding time. It’s a gentle and enjoyable way to set a festive tone for the day.

• Plan a Thanksgiving Breakfast Cook-Off

Add a unique twist to Thanksgiving morning by organizing a breakfast cook-off where everyone—from grandparents to grandkids—can join. Seniors can help by sharing family recipes or guiding younger cooks on techniques. Those who’d rather watch can serve as judges or just enjoy tasting everyone’s creations. This activity makes everyone feel involved and builds excitement for the main Thanksgiving meal.

• Capture Family Stories and Holiday Memories

Thanksgiving is an ideal time to capture and record the stories and memories of your senior loved ones. Set aside time to record a video or audio interview where they can share favorite holiday memories, family traditions, or funny stories from their past. Prepare a few open-ended questions, such as “What was your favorite Thanksgiving as a child?” or “What family traditions mean the most to you?” The recording becomes a keepsake and a lasting connection to your family’s history.

• Create a Gratitude Tree

Gather the family for a simple but meaningful craft — a gratitude tree. Find a small branch, place it in a vase, and cut out paper leaves. Family members can write down something they’re grateful for and hang it on the tree. This activity is a thoughtful way to involve everyone, including seniors, and provides a beautiful visual reminder of all there is to be thankful for.

• Set the Table with Personal Touches

Invite your senior loved ones to help decorate the Thanksgiving table. This can include arranging centerpieces, placing candles, and setting out special dishware. Seniors can add their own unique touches, making the table a centerpiece for togetherness and gratitude. Incorporating meaningful items from family history into decorations can deepen the connection to the day.

• Plan a Thanksgiving Stroll or Nature Walk

Consider a gentle nature walk or a family stroll before or after the Thanksgiving meal. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh fall air, connect with nature, and spend quality time together. If family members prefer to stay close, set up a small seating area outdoors so seniors can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while spending time with their loved ones.

• Host a Thanksgiving Story Hour

Gather the family after dinner for a “story hour,” where seniors can share stories from their lives or memories of past Thanksgiving celebrations. This activity gives seniors a special place in the festivities, allowing them to relive cherished memories and pass on family stories. It’s a treasured way to preserve family history and allows the younger generation to connect.

• Play Thanksgiving-Themed Games

Games bring fun to any gathering. Thanksgiving-themed bingo, word puzzles, or trivia are great ways to involve seniors and spark a little bit of friendly competition. For example, try Thanksgiving bingo cards that feature holiday themes instead of numbers or trivia about the history of Thanksgiving. They will keep everyone entertained and engaged, no matter their age.

• Share a Thanksgiving Playlist

Bring a sense of nostalgia to the day by creating a playlist of favorite tunes, especially ones your senior loved ones enjoy. Let them pick out songs that bring back memories to share in the joy of old classics and holiday tunes together. For added fun, encourage a little singalong or impromptu dancing—activities that bring laughter, connection, and a wonderful sense of celebration.

• Paint or Decorate Small Pumpkins

Pumpkin painting is a relaxing and creative activity that brings family members of all ages together. Seniors and grandchildren can enjoy spending quality time together as they decorate small pumpkins to display throughout the holiday season. It’s a simple way to foster intergenerational bonding while creating tangible mementos of the day.

• Explore Family History Together

Explore your family’s roots with a fun genealogy activity. Encourage seniors to share family stories and consider going through family photo albums or other memorabilia. Younger family members can ask questions to inspire conversation and learning about their heritage. For an added twist, try researching some family history online together to uncover stories and details that may surprise everyone.

• Savor Simple Togetherness

Above all, Thanksgiving is about being with those who matter most. Enjoy simple moments, whether it’s gathering around the table, sharing laughter, or reliving favorite family memories. Sitting together and exchanging stories creates a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that the entire family, including seniors, will cherish long after the day is over.

Thanksgiving is a time for connection, joy, and gratitude. At Hollenbeck Palms, we’re dedicated to making every moment special for our residents. Our community is a place where traditions are honored, friendships are cherished, and new memories are made together. By celebrating the holiday season with meaningful activities, we create experiences that bring warmth and happiness to everyone involved. This Thanksgiving, Hollenbeck Palms invites you and your loved ones to embrace the spirit of togetherness in a welcoming, supportive environment.

We would love to hear from you. Give us a call at 323.307.4505 or, if you prefer, send an email to [email protected] to learn more about our programs or to schedule a visit.