By Roz Jones

As we round the corner to Thanksgiving, it’s time to celebrate the traditions that make this holiday special. While Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in time-honored customs, it also provides the perfect opportunity to infuse some heartwarming twists that bring joy to your aging loved ones.

1. Cooking Together: This year, involve your loved one in the cooking process. Whether it’s preparing their favorite dish or sharing a treasured family recipe, it’s a wonderful way to bond and create new memories.
2. Themed Decorations: Embrace a theme for your Thanksgiving decorations. Whether it’s a specific color scheme, a favorite movie, or a shared interest, themed decor can add a fun and personal touch to your celebration.
3. Gratitude Art: Encourage your loved one to create art expressing their gratitude. It could be a simple painting, a handmade card, or a craft project. Display these expressions of thanks as a beautiful reminder of the holiday’s essence.
4. Recipe Exchange: Host a recipe exchange where family members and friends share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Everyone can try their hand at cooking or baking one of the recipes, creating a diverse and delicious spread.
5. Memory Sharing: Set aside time for sharing cherished memories. Ask each person to recount a special Thanksgiving memory or express what they are grateful for. This can be a heartwarming tradition that deepens your connection.
6. Outdoor Activities: If weather permits, consider taking your Thanksgiving festivities outdoors. Organize a family walk, a game of touch football, or simply enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings.
7. Music and Dance: Create a Thanksgiving playlist featuring songs that hold significance for your family. Encourage some dancing or a sing-along to make the day even more special.
8. Virtual Connection: For those unable to attend in person, embrace virtual gatherings. Connect with distant family members through video calls, allowing them to be part of the celebration.
9. Volunteer Together: Consider volunteering as a family on Thanksgiving. Participating in a local charity event or helping those in need can be a meaningful and heartwarming tradition.
10. Serving Others: Extend the spirit of Thanksgiving by preparing extra meals and delivering them to neighbors or individuals who may be spending the day alone.

Remember, the heart of Thanksgiving lies in the spirit of togetherness and gratitude. These heartwarming twists are not about changing the essence of the holiday but enhancing it with personal touches that bring joy to your loved ones. They create lasting memories and deepen the bonds that make Thanksgiving truly special.

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As we know, June – November is Hurricane Season. As a family caregiver, there are many ways to prepare your loved ones for it. Early preparation helps reduce opportunities for stress and anxiety as storms approach.

One of the best ways to prepare is allowing your loved on to assist in packing their travel bag, checking their contact list and ensuring there are adequate emergency supplies.

Participation… not isolation… go a long way when preparing for major storms. This Seniors Storm Guide gives essential information to refer to again and again!

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