Keeping Seniors Engaged in Holiday Traditions
When health needs change, and energy levels go up and down, joining in holiday traditions can start to feel difficult or even impossible. Everyone is different, so what helps one person might not work for another.
If your loved one has difficulty moving around, bring the celebration to them. Decorate their favorite chair or room, and choose activities they can enjoy comfortably from where they are. For memory or cognitive challenges, keep holiday plans simple and familiar. Sometimes, activities that once felt special can feel stressful or sad. If that happens, try making new traditions.
Here are some other ideas:
- Try simple craft supplies to create decorations inspired by favorite family stories or milestones. This is a wonderful way for seniors to share wisdom and laughter with younger generations.
- Invite everyone to bring a dish with special meaning, and encourage seniors to share the stories behind each recipe. Collect these stories and recipes into a family keepsake for future holidays.
- Set up regular holiday phone or video chats so each family member can check in with a senior relative. It’s low-pressure and keeps everyone connected.
- Give everyone colorful slips of paper to write what they’re grateful for, big or small. Seniors often offer unique perspectives on gratitude.
- Pick one or two holiday movies and host an in-person or online watch party. Seniors can share memories about when they first saw these films or vote for their favorites.
- Bundle up for a neighborhood walk to admire holiday lights, keeping the pace easy and the conversation flowing. Sometimes the simplest traditions are the most memorable.
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