Holidays, while joyous, can sometimes be stressful for older adults and their families. Traditions may stir up bittersweet memories, and gathering together can highlight changes in health and independence.
Despite these challenges, seniors should never be excluded from holiday festivities. Involving them in the preparations for Thanksgiving can bring joy and a sense of purpose. Even if aging loved ones can’t help like they used to, there are still many meaningful ways they can contribute.
Here are some great ways to include seniors in Thanksgiving this year.
1. Picking the Thanksgiving Menu
While your aging loved ones may no longer be able to cook their favorite dishes, they can still help design the perfect Thanksgiving meal. With years of experience, they likely have some tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes that can make your meal special. From selecting a roast turkey recipe to suggesting favorite side dishes and Thanksgiving desserts, they can use their knowledge to guide your preparations.
Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your senior loved ones have. Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may require healthier Thanksgiving dishes. Including loved ones in meal planning helps ensure there are healthy, delicious options that everyone can enjoy.
2. Shopping for Ingredients
A major part of Thanksgiving preparation is grocery shopping. Ask your loved ones to help create the Thanksgiving shopping list to make sure you don’t forget anything. Can’t forget the green beans for your green bean casserole!
You could even invite them along for the trip to the store. If they’re unable to walk through the aisles, they can still join you for quick, last-minute shopping trips on the day of Thanksgiving. Involving them in this task helps them feel important and connected to the overall process.
For seniors who can’t make it to the store, they can still participate by helping you compare deals online or flipping through grocery store ads to find the best prices.
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3. Helping with Meal Prep
Even if your loved one can’t safely handle cooking over a stove, they can still contribute to meal prep. There are several safe and simple tasks they can assist with:
- Washing vegetables
- Mashing potatoes
- Measuring ingredients
You could also assign them a dish that doesn’t require cooking, like mixing a no-bake Thanksgiving side dish or assembling a simple salad. These small tasks provide valuable help while also including your loved ones.
4. Setting the Table
Setting the table is a perfect task for seniors who want to be involved but may not be as physically capable of heavy kitchen work. You can pre-set heavier items like dishes and silverware, then allow them to arrange the table settings. Fancy dishes are usually stored up high and can be very heavy. By getting them out ahead of time, you can reduce the risk of a dangerous accident.
Encourage your loved one to get creative by folding napkins or arranging place cards. This small task can be their special contribution, and they’ll take pride in how it looks when the family sits down for dinner.
5. Decorating the House
Help seniors get into the Thanksgiving spirit by involving them in decorating your home for the holiday — whether it’s placing pumpkins on the porch, arranging a festive centerpiece, or hanging fall-themed décor.
You can also provide craft materials so they can make custom decorations, like table setting cards or homemade wreaths, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
Decorating can help your aging loved one feel involved while also adding an extra magical touch to Thanksgiving Day.
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6. Hosting the Gathering
Hosting doesn’t always require being in the kitchen! Seniors can still “host” the party by welcoming guests, greeting them at the door, or making small talk while dinner is being prepared.
For seniors with limited mobility, positioning them near the entrance allows them to play an essential role in hosting. They can take coats, direct family members, and later be moved to the head of the table.
This role helps seniors feel socially involved, even if they aren’t able to actively participate in cooking.
7. Tasting Dishes
One of the most important roles in preparing a holiday meal is taste-testing. Ask your loved one to make sure the dishes are seasoned just right. They can check if the mashed potatoes need more salt, the cranberry sauce is too tart, or the turkey is perfectly moist. Giving them control over this final step can make them feel like an integral part of the cooking process, even if they didn’t cook the entire meal.
8. Cutting Dessert
Ask your loved one to help with dessert by cutting pumpkin pies or serving sweet treats. A simple pie cutter makes it easy for them to divide the dessert into portions for guests. If they’re not able to cut or serve, give them the fun job of adding a dollop of whipped cream to each plate or sprinkling toppings like cinnamon or chocolate shavings.
9. Involve Them in Family Traditions
If your family has special Thanksgiving traditions, such as sharing what you’re thankful for, lighting candles, or saying a blessing, encourage your senior loved one to take part or even lead. This inclusion ensures they remain an integral part of the celebration. It also reinforces the value they bring to family gatherings.
Final Thoughts: Including Seniors in Thanksgiving Prep
Involving seniors in Thanksgiving preparations doesn’t have to be complicated. From helping with meal prep and decorating to taste-testing dishes, there are countless ways to engage aging loved ones. Remember, it’s not about what they can’t do—it’s about finding what they can do. By including them in these small yet meaningful tasks, you ensure that everyone shares in the joy of the holiday.
If you’re looking for more ways to make Thanksgiving special for your aging loved ones, reach out to your local Caring Senior Service. Learn how our professional caregivers can help make the holidays stress-free and enjoyable for the entire family.
