How to Involve Grandchildren in Thanksgiving Preparations

Thanksgiving is a time for family, and it’s even more special when grandchildren get involved. For seniors, spending quality time with younger family members brings warmth, joy, and a refreshing energy to the holiday.

Get Creative with Thanksgiving Crafts

Crafting together is a wonderful way to bond, especially with little ones who love to get hands-on. Plus, these projects can double as decorations for the big day! You can create a “Thankful Turkey” by tracing each child’s hand on colorful paper and writing something they’re thankful for on each feather. Hang these turkeys around the room for a cute, personalized touch.

For older grandchildren, consider making homemade place cards or decorating the dining table. Kids love seeing their crafts displayed, and it gives them a sense of pride knowing they contributed to the family’s celebration.

Bake Together and Share Family Recipes

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share family recipes and pass down cooking traditions. In a senior living Santa Fe NM facility, grandparents can invite grandkids to join them in the kitchen for some simple, safe baking tasks. Little ones can help with stirring, adding ingredients, or decorating cookies, while older kids might enjoy learning an old family recipe like Grandma’s famous stuffing or pumpkin pie.

Our resident Betty recently made her signature apple pie with her 12-year-old granddaughter, Sarah. Betty showed her how to roll the dough, add cinnamon just right, and the secret ingredient that makes it “just like Grandma’s.” Cooking together isn’t just about the food—it’s about keeping traditions alive and creating moments that both generations will remember.

Share Thanksgiving Stories and Memories

Thanksgiving is full of memories, and sharing them is a great way to connect with grandkids. Take a few minutes to tell stories about past Thanksgivings, funny family moments, or even how the holiday was celebrated when you were young. Kids love to hear how things were “back then,” and it helps them feel more connected to their family history.

Some senior housing Santa Fe NM communities even set up cozy “story corners” around Thanksgiving, where grandparents and grandkids can sit together and share stories. It’s a simple, meaningful way to pass down family tales and show kids that they’re part of something bigger.

Create a Family Gratitude List

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and making a family gratitude list is a fun, collaborative activity. Grab some paper or a small poster board and write down what each person is thankful for, from the youngest grandchild to the eldest grandparent. You can even turn this into a “Gratitude Tree” by attaching each note to branches in a vase for a beautiful, meaningful centerpiece.

This tradition brings everyone closer and reminds each family member of all the things they’re thankful for. It’s also a great way for kids to learn about gratitude, seeing the adults in their lives express appreciation for both big and small things.

Thanksgiving offers a unique chance for grandparents and grandchildren to bond, laugh, and create together. For those in senior living Santa Fe NM, these activities bring generations together, showing grandkids the joy of tradition and the warmth of family.