Printable Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle for Seniors

Holiday Brain Game

Directions for Caregivers:

Sit together and go through each clue aloud. Encourage the person to think of answers, and if they get stuck, offer gentle hints (such as the first letter of the word or “It’s something we eat for dessert”). Working together makes it feel more like a friendly conversation than a test.

Hand out copies of the printable Thanksgiving crossword. Read the clues aloud one at a time and invite the group to call out possible answers. Encourage discussion and teamwork; sometimes, someone will remember the food clues while another recalls the history. Celebrate correct answers together, and keep the mood light and festive. This is a fun way to spark conversation and laughter while learning a little Thanksgiving trivia.

Keep the focus on enjoyment rather than completion. Read a few of the easier clues and offer multiple-choice options (e.g., “Do you think it’s turkey, chicken, or duck?”). Celebrate each correct answer and gently guide them through the more challenging ones. You might also skip writing in the boxes and just talk through the answers together.

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About this Activity

To follow our Thanksgiving Crossword, here is a short article on the history of Thanksgiving.

The tradition of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims, early settlers from England, celebrated a successful harvest with the Wampanoag people. After a difficult first winter, the Pilgrims had learned important farming and survival skills from the Native Americans. Together they held a three-day feast of gratitude. While the exact menu is not known, it likely included venison, corn, beans, squash, and seafood—very different from the turkey-and-pie meals we enjoy today.

Thanksgiving was not an official holiday at first. Different colonies and states held their own days of thanks at various times. It was not until 1863, during the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving. He set it to be celebrated each year in November, as a way to bring people together during a time of division.

Over time, new traditions became part of the holiday. Turkey emerged as the centerpiece of the meal, and families began to gather for a large feast. Parades, football games, and volunteer service also became part of the celebration. In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November, the date we still observe today.

Thanksgiving continues to be a holiday focused on gratitude, family, and community. Whether through sharing food, telling stories, or simply spending time together, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains rooted in giving thanks for life’s blessings.

Follow this activity with our printable Gratitude Journal Worksheet.