Kieshon Thomas: Create memories to last a lifetime this holiday season

During the holidays, my thoughts always turn to the enjoyable times I had with my family and extended family. The memories are filled with visits, tasty food, hilarious family stories and shared times together.

I can clearly remember my auntie put the finishing touches on the potato salad and cornbread muffins. We would engage in heart-to-heart talks along with my granny. These memories are indelibly imprinted in my heart, long after the pressing demands of the sought-after presents and colorful decorations fade away.

Most of us yearn for these shared experiences and opportunities for connection, especially with loved ones from older generations whom we seldom see during our busy lives.

Unfortunately, the chaos and stress of the season often overshadows our time for togetherness, and after the holidays, we are left with empty bank accounts, high-calorie hangovers and fatigue.

So, if you want to create opportunities for better intergenerational connections this holiday season, take a break from "Cyber Mondays" and consider these tips:

Be sensitive to the special needs of older family members: While many older people are in great physical condition, some may have visual or hearing impairments, mobility challenges, chronic health conditions or memory loss that might limit participation in some activities.

Turn off the television and eliminate background music to make it easier for everyone to understand conversations. Arrange furniture so the space is accessible for loved ones using canes or walkers.

Sometimes younger family members don't understand these health challenges, so it's important to prepare children ahead of time by explaining it to them.

Plan generationally neutral activities: Activities such as board games, card games and food preparation bring people of all ages together and provide a setting where everyone can participate. Children as well as older adults love to help with food preparation. Both parties feel useful and productive. It also helps children to learn those coveted family recipes.

Well-established games such as Sorry, Chutes and Ladders and my favorite, Taboo, and familiar card games such as Old Maid, Go Fish and Uno provide the opportunity for all generations to join in, while at the same time providing the opening for entertaining conversations.

Engage in the gift of music: Music transcends generations. I have a radio in the kitchen and have found my mother-in-law and my children often listen and sing along as we prepare dishes for the feast.

Occasionally, we have impromptu DJ battles. Oh what joy it is to see my teenage son playing classics we all enjoy.

Set up a photo booth: Let's face it, we are in a picture society. You can easily set up your own photo booth with old hats, scarves and other inexpensive props from the dollar store.

You also can have younger family members assist older members with uploading the pictures to social media or texting them to others.

The holidays will be here and gone before we know it. Consider the possibilities -- what kind of memories do you want to create this season?

Contact county Extension agent Keishon J. Thomas by calling 478-751-6338 or emailling thomaskj@uga.edu.

This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 9:33 PM with the headline "Kieshon Thomas: Create memories to last a lifetime this holiday season ."