The old year is coming to a close, and it will soon be time to celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1. The first month of the year, January, bears the name of the Roman god Janus. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking forward and the ... Read more
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
A familiar holiday song proclaims, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” But suppose the lyric were changed to “sound a lot like Christmas”? What would that mean to you? What sounds do you associate with the holiday season? Is it ... Read more
GIVE THANKS
Ripened grain crops, flavorful berry patches, luscious fruit orchards, hardy vegetable gardens, mature grape vineyards – the fall harvest season is well underway. The bounties of the harvest bring a cornucopia of blessings, culminating with ... Read more
CHOCOLATE LOVE – February Activity Ideas
Just when you’ve finished off the last morsel of Christmas fudge, out come the Valentine truffles – rich, decadent, mouth-watering chocolates. The sweet taste of chocolate appeals to both kids and adults, making it a popular gift for many ... Read more
DECEMBER, THE TWELFTH MONTH
How time flies! We’ll soon be entering the twelfth and last month of the year. Winter officially arrives during December, just as the holiday season is in full swing. The month is associated with family gatherings, special meals, festive ... Read more
AUTUMN LEAVES
Autumn has arrived, and the trees are ready to put on their annual show. From maple to ash, oak, beech, poplar, birch, and hickory – the landscape is about to become draped in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. “Leaf peepers” will hit ... Read more
NEW YORK – A TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE – January Activity Ideas
It’s December 31, and the countdown to midnight has begun. A very large crowd has gathered in Times Square to watch the lowering of the crystal ball. Shouts erupt and confetti fills the air. Welcome to New Year’s Eve in New York City! The ... Read more
CHRISTMASTIME – ‘TIS THE SEASON
The Christmas season is a great time for making memories. Etched in the minds and hearts of many older adults are childhood images of an old-fashioned Christmas – homespun, simple, uncomplicated. Although the holiday has changed a bit over ... Read more
WINTER WARMTH – January Activity Ideas
Old Man Winter has officially arrived. In many parts of the country, the winter landscape is full of snow, ice, and sleet. (Remember that "big" snow from your childhood?) Many people are thinking about ways to stay warm and toasty during ... Read more
HOLIDAY MUSIC MEMORIES
"Jingle Bells," "White Christmas," "Silent Night." Listen carefully, and you'll soon hear the sounds of the season. Many families have a tradition of listening to holiday music. Music enriches the meaning of the holiday in many ways. What ... Read more
CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," just like the song says. Time to pull out some of your holiday music. Do you have a favorite carol or hymn? What do you think about when you hear the song? Many older adults can name one or two ... Read more
HOLIDAY NOSTALGIA
The holiday season is often a flurry of activities - from shopping and baking to decorating and entertaining. Among older adults there is often a genuine yearning to return to simpler times when a plain, old-fashioned Christmas was the ... Read more
ELECTION DAY
On the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, every four years, Americans head to the polls to elect the president of the United States. As Election Day nears, voters ponder whom to choose for the nation’s highest political ... Read more
VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION – February Activity Ideas
Got the mid-winter blues? Liven up the season with some special activities for Valentine’s Day. The day isn’t just for sweethearts. You can use the occasion of St. Valentine’s Day to reflect on love and friendship among family and friends. ... Read more
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY MEMORIES
Which holiday memories hold a special place in your heart? Listening to "White Christmas" on the kitchen radio, baking a batch of Christmas cookies with your children, or trekking through the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree? ... Read more
GRANDPARENTS
Older adults have fulfilled many roles in life. Among the most cherished is that of grandparent. Grandparents are important members of our families and communities. They provide extended family support and encouragement and a link to family ... Read more
FAMILY FOLKLORE – February Activity Ideas
Dad's fishing stories, Mom's special Thanksgiving recipes, Aunt Jane's memory quilts, Uncle Bob's silly songs, Grandma's home cures, Great-grandmother's heirloom jewelry. What kinds of folklore traditions are unique to your family? Family ... Read more
GIFT-GIVING SEASON
Webster's defines the word gift as something given voluntarily and without compensation. Set a brightly wrapped Christmas gift on a table for your group to view. Ask: What makes a wrapped present a true gift? Did they mention that true ... Read more
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP – February Activity Ideas
February gives you a wonderful opportunity to talk about love and friendship and to plan some endearing activities for your group. Each February we set aside a day to express our appreciation of the special people in our lives: St. ... Read more
