Brighten Your November with these 10 Resident Activity Ideas

While November is often a dull and dreary month, we know that won’t stop Recreation Managers from delivering colourful, vibrant, and fun programs to their residents. For this month, we’re sharing activities based on holidays and quirky celebrations that take place in November to help you get an early start on your calendar. 

1) November 7th - International Merlot Day Happy Hour

‍For all those red wine lovers in your community, this program will be just for them. To celebrate International Merlot Day, invite a seasoned sommelier to run a wine tasting of various merlots with your residents, and enjoy a happy hour. For those folks who don’t drink alcohol, feel free to provide some red grape juice or cider so no one feels left out.

2) November 11th - Honour Your Veterans/Remembrance Day Ceremony 

On Friday, November 11th, senior living communities across Canada can recognize and honour those who fought in wartime conflicts and those who lost their lives defending the country. Using your Veteran question in your Welbi profile, you can pull up a list of all of your veterans and honour them by seating them at the front of any service you hold. Here are some considerations for your community’s ceremony: invite a bagpiper, have one of your veterans/residents read “In Flanders Fields,” observe a minute of silence, visit your local cenotaph, perform songs from WW1, encourage residents to share displays on any Remembrance Day related items they have, hold a candle lighting service, make poppy wreaths, collect donations for veterans’ services and more. 

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3) November 11th - World Origami Day Craft Program

Japan is the birthplace of origami, and while the origin story of this holiday remains unclear, it honours the ancient art of creating intricate objects and complex shapes out of square pieces of paper for ceremonial purposes. Host a craft program today to learn the crane: one of the most recognized origami models around the world. All you need are square pieces of paper! Here are some instructions to get you started. 

4) November 11th- Veterans’ Day Military Memorabilia Exhibit

Create a temporary exhibit showcasing military memorabilia collected by residents who served in the armed forces. Display items such as uniforms, medals, photographs, and letters, accompanied by brief descriptions or anecdotes. This exhibit serves as a tribute to the veterans' service and sacrifices.

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5) November 13th - World Kindness Day Note Program

Let’s highlight and encourage good deeds in your community on November 13th, by creating a program all about simple acts of kindness! Have your residents write positive messages on Post-it notes. Then, spend time going around your community and post them for people to find: bathroom mirrors, residents’ doors, inside books, on staff desks, or computer screens. Positive and kind messages and compliments can help turn someone’s day around and make the world a kinder place to live in. 

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6) November 18th - Mickey Mouse Birthday Party

‍It’s the infamous Mickey Mouse’s birthday on November 18th! He first appeared in the short film “Steamboat Willie” on November 18, 1928, and since then, people all over the world have associated some of their childhood with Mickey and Disney. So, celebrate this beloved character by hosting a Disney birthday party! Encourage your residents to dress as their favourite Disney characters, host a Mad Hatter tea party, deliver some Disney trivia and celebrate the magic of childhood imagination!

7) November 19th - US National Play Monopoly Day Tournament

Did you know Monopoly was invented 118 years ago? It continues to be a popular, favourite game for millions of people of all ages with spin-offs like Star Wars Monopoly. Put on your banker cap, gather your residents together, and play a game or games of Monopoly to see who can come out the winner. Send us photos of your residents playing with their top hats and boots and snagging those coveted Park Place and Boardwalk spots!

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8) November 24th - Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day (US) Talent Show

What a fun, quirky holiday that allows residents to share their unique, individual talents. Invite family and friends to attend a talent show of your residents where they show off something they are good at. Maybe it’s a great impression, excellent whistling, drawing portraits, singing. Everyone has something they’re good at that they can share with the world! 

9) November 25th - International Hat Day High Tea Party

Hats, hats, and more hats! Host an afternoon tea party for your residents where they are encouraged to wear their most fabulous hats! Get your culinary team involved to make tea, triangle sandwiches, and mini-baked goods. Invite an entertainer for some music and encourage your residents to mix and mingle, discussing the history of their caps!

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10) November 30th - Giving Tuesday

The first Tuesday after US Thanksgiving is Giving Tuesday! This day is used by charities across both Canada and the United States as a way to raise funds before the end of the year. Encourage residents to give back to the community by participating in volunteer activities. Partner with local organizations to organize a food drive or collect warm clothing. This activity promotes a sense of purpose and connection to the community. (Spoiler; if you need help with volunteer programs, we have a guide here.)

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Want more innovative activity ideas for your community? Explore Welbi's Program Idea Portal! Our carefully curated selection of activities is designed to inspire and support your efforts in delivering exceptional resident experiences. Head over now to discover something new!