How to Spend the Holidays with Your Senior Parents
The holidays are one of the most special times of year for seniors. Between seasonal activities, time with family, and the holiday spirit, there is a lot to look forward to. Whether your senior parents are living independently or in assisted living, it is important to spend quality time with them during the holidays.
Quality Family Time
The most important aspect of the holidays for many seniors is quality time with family. Some families host out-of-town visitors, and it may be one of the only times of the year your senior parents get to spend with some members of their family.
It can be easy to get wrapped up and distracted by all of the hustle and bustle of the season, but it is critical to build in quality family time. Make sure the family has time to catch up and connect over meals, after dinner, or during a fun activity.
Seasonal Activities
Holidays usually mean lots of fun seasonal activities in the community. Exploring some of these activities can be a great way to help your senior parents get out, stay active, and make connections in the community. Some examples of seasonal activities may include:
Caroling
Baking
Live shows
Holiday lights
Volunteering
Some of these activities may only come around once a year, so take advantage of them when they come with your senior parents. Take this year to try something new; you never know when your family will have the opportunity to develop a new tradition.
Connect in the Community
The holidays are an important time for families, but don’t forget to help your parents connect in their local community as well. Whether that is through their retirement communities, neighborhood, or local church, checking in with friends and neighbors during the holiday season can bring joy to your parents this holiday season.
Passing Down Traditions
Your senior parents are a source of wisdom and knowledge that they can pass down to you and the younger generations. Make time for them to pass down traditions and teach you or their grandkids new skills or family facts this holiday season.
Traditions can be anything from singing songs to hanging decorations to baking treats. These traditions can live long into the future and be passed onto future generations.
Enjoy This Holiday Season with Your Senior Parents
Every holiday season with your senior parents is precious, but don’t put too much pressure on how you spend it with them. The most important thing is that you are together during this important time.
Whether your parents are in assisted living or living independently, they should be as involved as possible in all holiday activities and have every opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with you.