How the Fairmont Communities Gave Thanks This Season

Reflecting on Meaningful Moments of Gratitude Across Our Communities

From festive luncheons to resident-led projects, here’s how the Fairmont communities gave thanks this year.

Fairmont Senior Living of Westlake

Westlake residents embraced both gratitude and giving through a series of festive activities. On Thanksgiving Day, they enjoyed a traditional holiday meal together, complete with all the seasonal favorites. But the spirit of giving extended far beyond one meal.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Westlake hosted its much-anticipated annual celebration on December 11, which featured a performance by the Fairmont Choir, a visit from Santa, and a special meal: brisket was on the menu this year.

A resident-run giving tree ensured that every member of the community received a holiday gift. Residents helped manage the tree, encouraging others to pick a tag and purchase a present. If any tags were left behind, residents took it upon themselves to shop for the remaining items, making sure no one was forgotten.

One unique tradition at Westlake this year was the creation of a gratitude jar. Residents, staff, families, and visitors contributed to this interactive activity by writing down what they were thankful for. The goal was to collect 365 messages of gratitude, one for every day of the coming year. These notes would be read during daily staff huddles throughout 2026 and shared with residents, keeping the spirit of thankfulness alive long after the holiday season ended.

Fairmont Senior Living of Northville

Northville celebrated Thanksgiving with creativity, community, and a parade of joy. Residents enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving lunch with their families, featuring ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing, rolls, and a selection of desserts.

A resident-favorite event was the Fairmont Macy’s Parade, where department heads and activities staff dressed up as parade floats. An emcee guided the fun as the procession made its way through the community, bringing laughter and excitement to all.

Residents also participated in a meaningful Thanksgiving craft project, where they wrote about what they were most thankful for. Their reflections were heartfelt and beautiful, from gratitude for family and faith to appreciation for life at Fairmont. These small but powerful moments of self-expression reminded everyone just how special this season can be.

Fairmont Senior Living of Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills found many creative ways to celebrate and share gratitude with loved ones. The season kicked off with a fall-themed photo shoot, where residents posed for pictures that were later given as gifts to family members. They also handmade picture frames, door hangers, and personalized cards sharing what they were thankful for.

On Thanksgiving Day, the community hosted a luncheon for residents and their families. The festive spread included turkey, glazed ham, dressing, potato salad, mac & cheese, green beans, dinner rolls, and desserts like sweet potato pie and lemon blueberry mascarpone.

The celebration didn’t stop there. During the season, the Baking Club whipped up apple treats, and residents participated in a fall door-decorating contest, filling the community with warmth, creativity, and seasonal charm.

Learn gentle ways for seniors and families to cope with grief during the holidays and create meaningful moments of connection and remembrance.

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Fairmont Senior Living of Washington Township

At Washington Township, residents hosted their own Friendsgiving event, an annual tradition filled with love and togetherness. The entire celebration was resident-driven, beginning with menu planning and extending through setup, hosting, and even clean-up.

While last year’s pies were made by the dining staff, this year, residents expressed their desire to take over the baking themselves. Their hands-on approach turned the event into a deeply meaningful experience. The Friendsgiving party served as a warm reminder of the value of friendship within the community, a bond that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.

Fairmont Senior Living on Clayton

Clayton residents and families gathered for their large Thanksgiving celebration on the weekend before the holiday, welcoming between 200 and 250 guests. The menu featured all the beloved holiday classics, along with special touches like candied sweet potatoes, seasonal mimosas, and three types of pie: pumpkin, apple crumb, and pecan.

The celebration continued all season long through fall-themed baking clubs. Residents enjoyed making treats like apple butter, apple strudel, and pumpkin crescent rolls. In both Assisted Living and Memory Care, residents took a scenic outing to admire the changing leaves around the St. Louis area.

One of the most touching moments came from a gratitude reflection activity. Residents in both levels of care shared what they were most thankful for. Here are just a few of the heartfelt responses:

Memory Care Reflections

“Grateful for my family here and in heaven.” – Roberta
“I’m thankful for being able to see, think, and run.” – Susan
“Thankful for church on Sundays.” – Glenda

Assisted Living Reflections

“Thankful that I am still alive.” – Doris S.
“Grateful for faith, hope, and the care we receive here.” – Bev D.
“Thankful for my children, grandchildren, and for still having most of my memory.” – Mary L.
“Grateful for God, my family, and for being able to be part of everything that happens here.” – Ruth G.

Gratitude That Lasts All Year

At Fairmont Senior Living, Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a season of giving, reflection, and connection. Across each of our communities, residents led the way with creativity, service, and gratitude. Whether through handmade gifts, family feasts, or heartfelt words, the spirit of thankfulness was alive and well.

These celebrations weren’t just about tradition. They were moments that reminded everyone, residents, families, and team members, of the deep sense of community that makes Fairmont so special.

Come experience what makes Fairmont feel like home. Schedule a tour at one of our communities today and see how your loved one can thrive in a place filled with warmth, purpose, and connection.