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November is a month to experience gratitude as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. But did you know that there are lots of other unique and little-known holidays to enjoy in November?
One you don’t want to miss is National Pickle Day on November 14. Today I’ll share several ways you and your residents can celebrate this quirky day. If you have other suggestions, please add them in the comment section!
Learn about pickles
Did you know that pickles have been around for over 4000 years? Check here for everything you could possibly want to know about pickle history.
You’ll also want to share some pickle trivia. For example, see how many of your residents get this question right. Is a pickle considered a fruit or a vegetable?
Enjoy a pickle game
If you work with a more active group of residents, invite them out to a pickleball court for a pickleball lesson. What does the game of pickleball have to do with pickles? Nothing. But it’s fun to play, and it’s a great form of exercise.
Taste a pickle
Provide samples of a variety of pickles for your residents to try. You can share what’s different about each pickle and how they’re made. Then residents can vote for their favorites.
If you’re feeling brave, you can also taste other pickled foods. Consider pickled herring, eggs, beets, or strawberries.
Make pickles
There’s an endless variety of ways to make pickles. For a group activity, I recommend cooking refrigerator pickles. They’re easy to make, don’t require canning equipment, and the brine smells lovely while it’s simmering.
If your residents enjoy science experiments, you can also make pickles in a large medical syringe. (Yes, really!)
Get crafty with pickle jars
There are so many fun ways to repurpose a pickle jar. I love these ideas from DIY Everywhere. You can find many more possibilities on Pinterest.
Reminisce about pickles
While you’re working on your craft projects, it’s fun to talk about residents’ experiences with pickles. I know you’ll hear lots of great stories.
These questions will get the conversation started:
- Did you or your mom ever can pickles from cucumbers grown in your garden? What was your favorite recipe?
- What strange ways have you eaten pickles? (Deep fried at a county fair? On a pizza? In a peanut butter sandwich?)
- Did any of the ladies ever crave pickles when expecting a baby? (Dill pickles and ice cream, perhaps?)
- Have you tried any other pickled foods? Were they delicious, or were they disgusting?
If you’re looking for more unusual holidays to celebrate, be sure you check out my little-known holidays page.
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