Ideas For Celebrating Holidays In Senior Living

For most of us, the holidays are a very special time of year, as we look forward to time with friends and enjoying family traditions.

But if your loved one has moved into a Senior Living Community, how will it look? Will those things that you’ve done for years just fade away, will it still be the joyous time of year you’ve always loved?

Yes, some things may need to change, but it can still be wonderful…think of this as an opportunity to create some new traditions that you can look forward to.

Ideas for new holiday traditions…

1. Keep the traditions that you can still enjoy! Although there are things that have changed, there are some things that don’t need to. There may need to be a little extra effort in order to continue them, but it will be worth it. Don’t stop
   • Family dinners – they may need to be at a different location, but they can still happen.
   • Cookie making sessions – they may also need to be in a different kitchen, but the fun can continue.
   • You can still take drives around neighborhoods that are beautifully decorated.
   • If you have always gone to a holiday play or performance, and that’s not possible now, consider renting a video you could all gather around and watch together.
2. Activities for the family. Get creative, family gatherings don’t have to be elaborate…
   • Make hot chocolate and popcorn and watch favorite movies.
   • Play games that everyone can participate in.
   • Sing carols to each other, or if possible sing around the neighborhood.
   • String popcorn garlands.
   • Look at and enjoy family pictures from holidays past.
   • If there are family members that can’t make it to your holiday gathering, set up a video chat or Facetime so you can all be together digitally for a visit.
   • Plan a simple craft that everyone can make.
3. Downsize gift giving. Giving gifts to everyone can sometimes be an overwhelming task. Change it up a little and maybe you’ll enjoy it more.
   • Draw names rather than give to everyone.
   • Give an ornament.
   • Give gifts of service, such as read a child a story, bake a treat, or just spend some one on one time together.
   • Have a party instead of giving gifts.
   • As a family, give a gift to a “Giving Tree” or some other charity.
4. Have a small decorating party. Help your senior decorate their home with a few simple, but festive decorations. (Then after the holidays, come back and help them take down the decorations.)
5. Check with a local church. Many churches have holiday programs
6. Check with the Senior Community for celebrations they might offer that you can enjoy together.
   • They often host holiday dinners, sing-a-longs or programs.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family with senior downsizing and moving anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area, additionally we can assist if you are moving out of state.

We offer a Free consultation.

We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011