Thanksgiving is a time to come together with loved ones, share delicious food, and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. But this year, many retirees find themselves in assisted living or retirement communities, away from their families. This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to get creative and try out some new traditions to celebrate this holiday season. In this post, we’ll share with you five fun ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your neighbors and friends in a retirement community.

1. Incorporate Family Traditions: Missing your family tradition of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or playing board games after dinner? Bring those traditions to your new home! Host a watch party with your neighbors, or bring in your favorite board game to share with friends. Getting creative and sharing your family’s traditions with your new community can make this holiday season feel just like home.

2. Enjoy a Meal Together: Sitting down to a delicious Thanksgiving meal with your new friends is a great way to celebrate. Many retirement communities serve holiday meals, but there’s nothing stopping you from coordinating your own potluck-style feast with neighbors. Don’t be afraid to get involved in the planning and cooking - it’s a great way to bond with those around you and create lasting memories.

3. Bring Games or Crafts: Spend some quality time with your friends and neighbors by bringing in games or crafts. From bingo to card games to knitting clubs, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy this Thanksgiving. Not only are these fun and engaging hobbies, but they can also help you feel connected to your community and meet new people.

4. Write Thank-You Letters: Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so why not take the time to write thank-you letters to those who have made an impact on your life? Whether it’s a friend, family member, or staff member at your community, taking the time to express your gratitude can leave you feeling fulfilled and happy. Plus, everyone loves getting mail, so it’s a win-win!

5. Make Memories: Lastly, make sure to take the time to make new memories. Whether it’s taking a walk to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, organizing a group photo, or simply chatting with a new neighbor, take advantage of this time to create new memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Moving to a retirement community doesn’t mean sacrificing your holiday traditions. By incorporating family traditions, enjoying a meal together, bringing games or crafts, writing thank-you letters, and making new memories, you can have a fun and fulfilling Thanksgiving in your new home. Don’t be afraid to get involved and try new things - this is your opportunity to build new friendships and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Thanksgiving!