Capture the true essence of Thanksgiving by reflecting on the people in your life you are grateful for. Perhaps our most overlooked loved ones are our grandparents, as we often don’t prioritize them in our daily lives. Put your grandma and grandpa first this Thanksgiving by finding fun and meaningful ways to show them you care. Below, we have gathered a list of ideas to express your love and admiration. We hope this article inspires you to start planning an extra special turkey day for the elderly loved ones in your life.
Baton Rouge Turkey Trot
Louisianans are about celebrating the good times, and while we might usually tell you to “pinch the tail and suck the head,” Thanksgiving calls for a slight amendment to that famous saying! We can’t think of a better way to kick off Turkey Day morning than by getting out early. Burning some calories and spiking those natural endorphins is the perfect plan to make that feel-good energy last all day long.
Make this Thanksgiving memorable with the 38th annual Baton Rouge Turkey Trot! Grab your family and friends for an invigorating morning run or stroll. You can choose a casual 1-mile trot or challenge yourself with the 5-mile option. Both routes offer scenic views of Capital Lake, Arsenal Park, and the State Capitol. Prizes and goodies are plentiful, and costumes and team-coordinated gear are highly encouraged—let’s make our own mini-parade, “Cher!”
Be sure to sign up soon; prices increase after November 24th.
Thanksgiving Buffet at The Gregory
Hello everyone in “Red Stick”, whether you are here on vacation for the holiday or just want a year off from the pressures of cooking, we have a gourmet, southern-style take on Thanksgiving for you. The Thanksgiving buffet at The Gregory is a perfect choice to satisfy everyone’s palates. The main features include a carving station complete with honey-baked ham, dill citrus salmon, and, of course, a roasted turkey with turkey gravy.
Be sure to try unique, tasty sides like corn Maque Choux, braised collard greens, and a crawfish cornbread dressing, along with all the traditional favorites: mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, candied yams, and green bean salad. Try Gregory’s version of a turkey and sausage gumbo, and don’t forget dessert like Pecan pie and macarons. The buffet starts at 11 and runs through 2 in the afternoon. The cost is $68 for adults and $28 for children aged 4-12 years old. You can find The Gregory at 150 Third Street, right in the heart of Downtown Baton Rouge. Reserve your table today before they fill up.
Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Well, if you didn’t succumb to the tryptophan-induced nap after your Thanksgiving meal and need to take a leisurely stroll, then try the free presentation of lights at Baton Rouge General. The lighted path provides holiday cheer as you meander through lit tunnels, dance with singing foliage, all the while presented with a plethora of photo opportunities. The lights occur every day after 5:30 PM from November 21st through December 30th. The medical center is located at 359 Third St. in downtown Baton Rouge.
Prepare the Thanksgiving Feast Together
With a large group gathering for the holiday, preparing enough food for everyone can become overwhelming, especially if grandma and grandpa are hosting. We can express a thoughtful contribution of gratitude by applying the extra effort of helping prepare the holiday meal. Cooking and baking allow us to spend quality time together and provide the opportunity to learn cherished family recipes from green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the opportunity to show gratitude by stepping into the kitchen and helping grandma and grandpa prepare a heartwarming feast they’ll never forget.
Prepare Thanksgiving Decorations Together
Preparing a warm and enjoyable environment for the family to gather helps create a splendid mood for the grandparents on Thanksgiving. Show grandma and grandpa appreciation by cleaning the dining room, preparing the dinner table, and placing Thanksgiving decorations around the home. Everyone will enjoy this heart-warming holiday when the dining room table and house are appropriately decorated.
Give Them a Handwritten Letter and Thanksgiving Card
Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to express gratitude towards grandma and grandpa for all they have done in our lives. Heartfelt letters and Thanksgiving holiday cards show appreciation in the most meaningful way to our beloved grandparents. Try writing a sincere message of thanks and gratitude by recalling old memories from the past. This will surely put a smile on their faces!
Thanksgiving Family Activities
One significant way to make grandma and grandpa feel special and grateful on Thanksgiving is having the whole family not only together but interacting with each other in a fun way. Whether playing catch with Grandpa before dinner or creating a puzzle with Grandma and relatives afterward, engaging as a family is vital, especially for grandparents who often don’t get to spend time with their grandkids. Having the children and adults together for games and decorations makes everyone feel included and loved.
Take a Post-Dinner Stroll
Thanksgiving is notorious for stuffing ourselves full of tryptophan and falling asleep on the couch. One clever way to keep grandma and grandpa’s energy levels up between the meal and dessert is to stroll around the neighborhood. There is no better time to walk with the colorful leaves changing and crisp autumn air. There is truly something magical about the hues of reds, yellows, and orange foliage falling from the trees overhead. Remember, if grandma or grandpa had a little too much Thanksgiving wine, kindly take their arm while walking. Dangerous falls are common among the elderly.
Conclusion
We hope this article inspired you to put your elderly loved ones first this Thanksgiving. The true spirit of Thanksgiving is meant for more than just one day in November. Rather, we should strive to find a daily practice of gratitude. Many people struggle to achieve this. One easy thing you can do is focus on others instead of yourself. Practice celebrating and honoring family members who provide you with a warm and loving feeling inside.
If you need home care in Baton Rouge, don’t hesitate to contact At Home Care of Louisiana. We provide companion, personal, and 24-hour care in the comfort of your elderly loved one’s home. All of our caregivers are trained, background-checked, and specialize in activities of daily living.
We are looking forward to meeting your family!
