Full Plate

Whether it’s something you’ve done for years or something that’s relatively new Christmas traditions connect us through the years. What’snyour favourite family Christmas tradition?

Holiday baking season is in full swing and our clients are making (and sharing) many delicious treats. We’re getting our workouts in with all the bags of flour and sugar we’ve been lifting! And so far only one bag of flour has exploded in the trunk!

Sunny-side up, poached, scrambled - none one makes them like Mom. Be sure she starts her day off right by keeping her favorites in the house. You put them on her list and we'll put them in her fridge.

As we age there may be fewer toys on our Christmas list but we can experience that joy all over again through Christmas music and sharing memories. One question can start hours of stories to keep everyone feeling festive. Don't be afraid to ask.

Even though caregivers are one step removed from the pain of their loved ones, they feel the effects of it too. There's an online community of support available at Pain Matters Connect with others who care for someone who lives with chronic pain.

Get the whole family out to a local Christmas Parade this year. New traditions can start at any age and they help replace the old traditions we lose because of loss or distance. Make memories by planing a whole day around your local parade.

Creating connections around the holidays is good for everyone. Add a pack of Christmas Cards and a pack of stamps to your Full Plate order this week. Canada Post says local delivery should be mailed by December 20, within Nova Scotia by December 19, and outside Nova Scotia by December 18!

In all the hustle and bustle leave room for stories. Ask about how family traditions began, their favorite gift as a child, or the stories behind some of ornaments that have been around your whole life. You won't regret it!

Are You Interested in Becoming a Full Plate Shopper and helping us support families across the CBRM? http://ow.ly/ghto30gN1sQ

Wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate makes everyone feel like a kid again. Surprise them with a seasonal treat added to their next order.

We won't forget the bread. If there's a senior in your life that can't get out to the store as often as they'd like sign them up for our pilot project and we'll keep their cupboards stocked all winter. http://ow.ly/yn5i30gN1kp

The conundrum of Christmas for seniors living alone. http://ow.ly/omYX30gLOyA

Listen to Krysten Patrick of Sudbury expalin why she started sending Christmas Cards to anonymous seniors http://ow.ly/ErtR30gLOjZ

Here are six ways we can all eat well as we get older.

You aren't the only one who is getting anxious about how quickly Christmas is coming. Check in with a senior in your life and help make plans for them to make the most of this season. Grocery stores now sell gift cards to hundreds of stores, restaurants, and websites. Throw their Christmas shopping on their grocery list and we'll take care of it when we get their next grocery order.

When does forgetfulness become something more concerning? http://ow.ly/kQgV30gK5JL

If you sit down to write a grocery list you'll almost certainly forget something! Always keep a list in the kitchen and add to it as your favourites get low and you'll never run out again.

Are you interested in becoming a Full Plate Shopper and helping us support families across the CBRM? Read all about our Shopper program and tell us a little more about yourself. http://ow.ly/71lk30gIF3y

A phone call from a loved one isn't just good for the soul, it's good for the heart. Literally. Many seniors that live alone battle against isolation and regular conversation helps us stay healthy. Risks of depression and dementia are lowered and the risk of acute symptoms going unnoticed is lessened through regular contact with family and friends. So, plan a call to a loved one who lives alone. You'll both be glad you did.