The holidays can be a challenging time of year for our seniors, and most likely brings back many memories both happy and sad. They used to be the ones doing the holiday shopping, baking and making happy memories with their loved ones. As the next generation makes their own memories, it can be easy for our senior loved ones to feel left out or not as important as they used to be. We want to keep our loved ones involved during the holiday season, and finding creative and festive ways to make that happen can make all the difference in the world. Finding the time can certainly be a challenge. After all, we’re all running around trying to get gifts for the kids and grandkids. Attending holiday school plays or shows that we can’t miss. We have office parties and commitments with friends. And it’s always nice to take a little time to help those who are less fortunate. Not to mention your aging loved ones may have certain health conditions or functional limitations that make going places a challenge. Whether the senior in your life is living in their own home or a senior living community, we can find new ways to celebrate the holidays with them, to keep traditions alive and find new ways to make the holidays feel festive. Nobody said involving your senior loved ones in your holiday celebrations was easy, but it may be the most important gift you give your parents, yourself and your children. Your love and attention is the most meaningful way to make their holiday extra special this year.
10 Ways to Bring the Holidays to Them!
- Modify old traditions. Maybe your loved one is no longer up to making Christmas cookies. Bring your pre-chilled dough and a few of your little helpers over to make holiday cookies. If you normally cooked the Christmas dinner together, have them come over and help you put a special dish together like you used to.
- Create new traditions that are better suited to the way your family is now. Go on a drive to see the Christmas lights, watch a holiday movie they used to love, have the grandkids come over to sing some holiday tunes to them.
- Set the mood, listen to holiday music together, sip on some eggnog while you visit, frost cookies together, decorate their apartments or home to help them get into the holiday spirit.
- Involve them in activities. Ask them for help to set the tables, fold the napkins, and decorate the tree. Offer to take them holiday shopping, or ask them to assist in the gift wrapping.
- Dig up some memories. Get out the old photo albums and go through them with your parents while you can. There are certain to be people’s names, dates, and locations not listed. Reminiscing is always a meaningful activity. This is a great way to really bring the whole family together.
- Make some new memories. Record as much of your celebration as you can for a treasured memento of this time together. Encourage the children and grandchildren to bake or make holiday crafts with your loved one. Engaging with the younger generations is a great way for them to truly feel connected to the family.
- Show them you care. If your loved one becomes confused easily, your touch will demonstrate your love. If they get tired, let them take a nap before the festivities.
- Playing classic holiday tunes gets the young and old into the mood together. Dressing in a festive sweater or holiday outfit helps set the mood.
- Be supportive. Keep an eye out for signs of depression or loneliness. Involve them when you can. Check in more often with a call to see how they are doing.
- Help them connect with old friends and far away family by helping them to Facetime or Skype. Help them send holiday cards to their loved ones. Staying connected can be one of the most challenging parts of the aging process.
More than anyone, your senior loved ones realize how precious the Christmas season is. Help them enjoy it.