The holidays aren’t welcomed with open arms by everyone. Many seniors find them to be the most challenging time of year emotionally, which often leads to depression or physical fatigue.
The holiday season is difficult for some seniors because they miss departed loved ones and friends. Holiday memories from childhood and adolescence can also dredge up unhappy memories and painful emotions.
But, all is not doom and gloom. You can make a big difference in the life of your senior loved one by sharing some holiday cheer with them that is sure to bring a smile to their face.
6 Ways to Share Holiday Cheer With a Senior Loved One
1. Decorate the tree together.
Your loved one may not be agile enough to string the lights any longer, but they can often hang some ornaments or hand them to you if mobility is an issue. Either way, it’s a great way to get them involved in the festivities.
2. Bake some cookies with them.
The sight and smell of a plate of freshly baked cookies during the holidays are enough to warm anyone’s heart. Let your loved one help with preparation, putting the dough in the oven, taking the cookies out, and putting them on a colorful plate or platter. It’s sure to bring back some warm memories for them.
3. Watch some old holiday movies as a family.
It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas are just a couple of the time-tested classics that many seniors grew up with and still enjoy seeing every year. If possible, involve younger family members. They may roll their eyes, but you’ll be helping them create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Take them out to see the holiday lights.
Whether it be a stroll around the neighborhood or a car ride to one of those neighborhoods that go all-out with the lights and decorations, seeing the festive decorations will bring a twinkle to their eyes. If it’s chilly outside, make sure they’re bundled up and comfortable. Then, top off your expedition with some warm brownies and a mug of hot chocolate. It will be a special night for everyone.
5. Enjoy looking at old holiday photographs together.
Pull together a collection of photos from past holidays and re-live the happy memories together. Some of the pictures may bring a tear to their eyes as they remember family members who have passed away or who they’ve not seen in some time, but seniors love reminiscing and don’t mind shedding a tear or two as they remember times past.
6. Sing, sing, sing.
No one in the family has to be an opera star to sing along to Deck the Halls, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A family sing-along makes everyone smile and chuckle and will lift the spirits of a senior loved one dealing with a touch of melancholy.
We Can Help Boost a Senior Loved One’s Holiday Cheer!
Home Instead helps keep seniors aging at home throughout the year, including the holidays. Our cheerful and compassionate CAREgivers are welcome companions who can help celebrate old family traditions and be a nice addition to some new ones.
Contact us today for personalized in-home senior care in Naples, Ft. Myers, and Charlotte County, Florida. We’d love to share the holiday spirit with you.
