It’s that time of year. Families gather to spend time together and share a meal. Sometimes its turkey. But around the country, there are different traditions. In New Mexico, it’s green, red or Christmas. Chile peppers are great on everything! In that cornbread stuffing and even the apple pie. Albuquerque is the perfect place for families to reunite and share in the warmth of the holiday season. As the sun sets and casts a pink glow on those Sandia Mountains, it’s time to celebrate all those good things that the year has brought. Retirement gives you the opportunity to sit back and reflect. Here are a few considerations to make this year extra special for seniors and all ages alike.

Traditions. Do you have special family traditions? Perhaps as a child you remember a special dish that was always served, or some particular thing the whole family did to celebrate. Those memories can be shared with your children and grandchildren, even many years later. It’s time to pull out that special recipe. Invite the grandkids over and sip some hot tea or hot chocolate while teaching some cooking skills. Many retirement or senior homes have full private kitchens and are perfect for entertaining. Seniors spending time with the next generation and passing down family traditions creates a family bond and memories that will last a lifetime!

Travel. Do you live far away from your family? Perhaps you are still very active and would like to take a trip and visit someone you haven’t seen in a while. It’s important to keep on top of travel advisories and CDC recommendations these days. Most of the time, making sure you’re adequately vaccinated is recommended before making the journey through crowded airports, planes or trains. Even if you travel by private vehicle, your chance of exposure to Covid-19 is possible when stopping for rest, fuel and food. So it’s good to take recommended precautions! Talk to your doctor. Weather and staffing limitations can also effect airlines and changes in flight schedules, so be sure to check in on your travel schedule and see if there are any delays or changes. Most airports have lodging opportunity nearby, so don’t panic if you need to take a later flight or train connection. Seniors will also be happy to know that wheelchair services or additional assistance is always available and provided at the airport. If you have a persistent injury or just can’t imagine walking very far, there is no need to worry.

However you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, make sure to surround yourself with the love of family or friends at home, in your retirement community, or abroad. Take some time to build memories and perhaps even help a neighbor make the day special. Even if you can only visit with others via video chat, you can feel connected and stay part of each other’s lives. It only takes a little effort and the memories will last a life time.