The holidays can be a highlight for older people, bringing festive warmth into the cold winter and breaking the monotony of routine. With plenty of time on their hands, seniors can begin to anticipate the festivities early on by getting involved in the sounds, scents and sights of the holiday season.
Here are a variety of stimulating activities that older people can enjoy, whichever holidays they’ll be celebrating.
1. Visit a Christmas Market or go for a drive to see the illuminations
2. Cook and bake seasonal foods- and taste them too!
3. Discover and preserve traditional holiday recipes
4. Sing along with seasonal songs
5. Make and write holiday cards
6. Share a holiday memory
7. Watch a holiday film, TV show, or theater performance
8. Make a festive photo shoot and invite friends and family to join
9. Party, of course- whether virtually or in person
Visit a Christmas Market or go for a drive to see the illuminations
A great opportunity for getting out of the house.
In advance of the holidays themselves, there is lots going on in every city or town center. Go for a festive stroll through your local Christmas market and enjoy the taste and smell of street vendors’ snacks. Pick up unique handmade gifts, trinkets and clothes. Get your photo taken with Santa and his sled.
Or, go for a drive to enjoy the illuminated streets decked in light and sparkle. All major December holidays feature candles or lights, so every neighborhood will be alight with seasonal decor. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can find a breathtaking light display near you and be wowed by the synchronized array of colors and lights.
Cook and bake seasonal foods- and taste them too!
Cooking and baking seasonal foods can be a fun way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Whether it’s mince pies, donuts, or holiday-themed cookies, getting seniors in the kitchen preparing the season’s traditional foods is a stimulating, not to mention delicious, occupation. Plus, serving home-baked goods to guests generates a wonderful feeling for both the hosts and visitors.
Discover and preserve traditional holiday recipes
Ask your elderly loved one about holiday foods and recipes that they grew up with. Look through and discuss their old recipes and choose a few to write out, decorate and share with family and friends. Of course, you can whip up the traditional treats to photograph and taste them too. Seniors will love to perpetuate their family history, traditions and tastes with their children and grandchildren.
Sing Along with Seasonal Songs
Listen to some classic holiday songs and sing along! Singing and music is an excellent form of expression and bonding, and is particularly suited for seniors with dementia. No matter which holiday you’re celebrating this December, there are many associated songs and traditional melodies which seniors won’t tire of hearing and singing. On a cold winter evening, merry tunes warm the atmosphere and create a comfortable, cozy feeling- so press play and let the music begin.
Make & Write Holiday Cards
Get crafting and make some handmade, personalized cards to send good wishes to friends and family. You can use any basic crafting supplies like colored card and ribbon, or go all out and go shopping for seasonally-themed embellishments and accessories. When you’re done, you can write, address and post them together to spread holiday cheer.
Share a memory
Take a stroll down memory lane and discuss the holiday highlights in years gone by. Encourage your loved one to share their memories of the holidays of their youth, and their favorite memories over the years. Reciprocate by sharing your own memories- it can be especially meaningful for parents to hear what their children remember of their childhood. Bond over old photos, laugh at the cheeky things you said when you were young, and the funny incidents that no one in the family will forget.
Watch a holiday TV show, movie, or theater performance
Whether you prefer classic or contemporary, there’s an endless variety of Christmas TV shows and movies to choose from. Invite some friends over, put on some popcorn and make your own seniors movie night.
Or, for something for your loved one to really look forward to, buy some tickets to watch a live local theater performance. Cinderella never goes out of fashion; going to the theater is a great way to get an older adult out for a fun-filled night full of magical vibes.
Going out to watch a holiday film can be particularly meaningful if you can find a classic being played that your parent took you to when you were young.
Make a festive photo shoot
Gather some seasonal props and dress up in your favorite winter woolies to take some festive photos. You can make a pre-holiday event out of it by gathering plenty of holiday-themed props, hats, and scarves and inviting over family and friends. Discover how to make your own DIY photo booth frame from just cardboard and basic craft materials, and you’re all set! The photos, once printed, can also double as unique seasonal cards or decorations.
Party, of course- whether virtually or in person
We’ve saved the best for last!
What better way to celebrate this season’s holidays than with a full-blown party? A party is a wonderful thing to look forward to, whatever your age. Food, friends and family are a formula for laughter, good cheer and happy memories.
Older people will appreciate the opportunity to contribute their opinions to help plan the party. Depending on their flair, seniors can advise and assist with decor, menu planning, cooking and baking, entertainment ideas and guest lists.
If your loved one is housebound or lives far away from family and friends, you can still organize a party virtually. You’d be surprised how much fun you can have even if you’re not together in location.
This article offers a sampling of the many ways you and your elderly loved ones can tap into the spirit of the season’s festivities. Remember, the goal is for your loved one to enjoy themselves, so choose activities that suit their individual preferences. Adapt the ideas we’ve suggested to match their physical and mental capability. And give yourself some celebratory time too.
At Community Home Health Care, we’re here to help you navigate the holiday season with joy and peace for all. Find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. We’re here for you and are happy to assist your family at this wonderful time of year. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.
Happy holidays from your friends at Community Home Health Care!