December is filled with holidays and opportunities to connect with loved ones. From decorating the tree to sharing a festive meal, the season brings joy, but it can also be a challenging time for seniors who feel left out during family gatherings. Whether they live at home or in a senior living community, making an effort to include them can brighten their holiday season and strengthen family bonds. Here are practical and heartfelt ways to ensure your senior family members feel cherished this holiday season.
1. Create a Comfortable Space at Home
When hosting seniors during the holidays, creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential. Start by clearing walkways of clutter, cords, or decorations that could pose tripping hazards. Ensure commonly used areas, like living rooms and kitchens, are well-lit to avoid accidents.
Comfortable seating is another priority—offer chairs with proper support and armrests that make it easy to sit and stand. Adjust the temperature to suit their preferences, especially during cooler December days, ensuring the space feels cozy and inviting.
For seniors using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, make sure there’s ample space to move around without difficulty. Rearrange furniture if needed to provide a clear path to dining areas, restrooms, and other key spaces. Adding non-slip rugs or mats can further enhance safety. These thoughtful adjustments create a stress-free environment where seniors can focus on enjoying the festivities, making the holiday gathering memorable for everyone.
2. Bring the Holidays to Them
Visiting seniors in senior living communities during the holidays can bring them happiness and comfort. Decorate their room with festive touches like garlands, family photos, or a small, safe holiday tree. Simple items, such as holiday-themed bedding or battery-operated candles, can make their space feel cozy and special.
Bring their favorite holiday treats, like cookies or hot cocoa, and play some classic holiday songs they enjoy. Many senior living communities host events, like caroling or holiday dinners. Join these activities with your loved one to make them feel included and loved. These small efforts can brighten their holiday season.
3. Revisit Beloved Traditions
Holidays are a time for cherished traditions, and older adults often hold special memories of past celebrations. Include them in familiar activities like baking holiday cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, or singing classic carols. For example, let them help frost cookies or place ornaments on the tree, even if it’s just a few. These small gestures can spark joy and bring back fond memories.
If physical limitations make participation difficult, find other ways to include them. Ask about their favorite traditions or recipes from when they were younger. Encourage them to share stories about how they celebrated the holidays with their families. This not only makes them feel included but also creates an opportunity to pass down family traditions and strengthen the bond between generations.
4. Plan Multigenerational Activities
Holidays are the perfect time to bring all generations together for fun and meaningful activities. Plan events that everyone can enjoy, from grandparents to grandchildren. Consider hosting a holiday movie marathon with classic films that seniors may remember fondly, paired with hot cocoa and popcorn. You could also bake cookies or decorate gingerbread houses as a group, allowing seniors to contribute their expertise and kids to add a playful touch.
For seniors in senior living facilities, involve them in activities tailored to their surroundings. Join them for holiday sing-alongs, festive dinners, or arts and crafts events like making ornaments or holiday cards. You might also try storytelling nights where each generation shares a favorite holiday memory. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen bonds between family and friends of all ages, ensuring everyone feels included in the holiday cheer.
5. Use Technology to Stay Connected
For seniors who can’t attend in person, technology bridges the gap. Use apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype for virtual celebrations. Include them in gift openings, family games, or a group toast. A simple video call can make them feel part of the festivities.
6. Celebrate Their Stories
The holidays are the perfect time to honor the life experiences of senior loved ones. Encourage them to share cherished memories, favorite traditions, or even photos from past celebrations. These stories create meaningful connections and help preserve family history.
7. Take Them on a Holiday Outing
Plan a simple yet meaningful outing that caters to their comfort and interests. Take them to a local holiday market to enjoy festive sights, smells, and treats, or go for a relaxing drive through a neighborhood known for its dazzling holiday light displays.
If they enjoy music, consider attending a holiday concert or a community choir performance. You could even visit a nearby park decorated for the season. These outings don’t have to be elaborate—what matters most is the quality time spent together, sharing laughs and creating cherished memories.
8. Involve Them in Gift Giving
Older adults often find joy in the act of giving and sharing. Include them in selecting thoughtful gifts for family members or let them help wrap presents with festive paper and ribbons. They might also enjoy creating homemade gifts, like baking cookies, crafting ornaments, or writing heartfelt holiday cards.
At the same time, surprise them with meaningful gifts to show your appreciation. Thoughtful gestures, like a cozy blanket or a framed family photo, can brighten their holiday season.
9. Host a Quiet Gathering
Large family gatherings can feel overwhelming for seniors, especially during the busy holiday season. Instead, consider hosting a smaller, more intimate event where they can relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones. A simple dinner with favorite comfort foods or an afternoon tea with light snacks can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Add personal touches, like their favorite music or a toast in their honor, to make the gathering even more special.
10. Plan Rest Breaks
Holiday celebrations can be exciting but also exhausting for seniors. To help them stay comfortable, provide cozy seating areas where they can take a break and recharge. Consider offering a quiet space away from the main festivities, complete with soft lighting and soothing music, for those who need a moment to unwind.
Encourage them to rest as needed and check in regularly to see if they’re comfortable. If they enjoy quieter moments, set aside time for a heartfelt conversation or a peaceful activity, like flipping through photo albums or sharing holiday memories. These thoughtful measures ensure they can fully enjoy the celebrations without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Including seniors in holiday celebrations—whether they live at home or in a senior living community—makes the season brighter for everyone. Thoughtful gestures like decorating their space, planning inclusive activities, and using technology to connect can make all the difference.
How My Care Finders Can Help
At My Care Finders, we understand the importance of family during the holidays. Our compassionate team can help you explore senior living options, connect with resources for caregiving, or find ways to strengthen your bond with your senior loved ones.
Contact us today to discover how we can support your family this holiday season and beyond. Together, let’s create more moments of joy and connection.
