Christmas is the time of year for creating new memories with your loved ones. Seniors are especially venerable to loneliness during the holiday season so it’s important that we take time out of our busy schedules to visit seniors in their homes. If you’re struggling to find ways to include your loved ones this holiday season, here are some ideas.
Movie Night
There is no shortage of holiday movies available. Snuggle up with a warm blanket and come hot cocoa and watch a classic Christmas film. Some ideas include:
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- A Christmas Story
- Holiday Inn
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Miracle on 34th Street
- Scrooge
- Home Alone
- Christmas in Connecticut
Music Bingo
This is a great idea for seniors living in care homes. Instead of calling out numbers, play thirty seconds of a classic Christmas tune. The first senior to get BINGO gets a prize!
Elf on the Shelf
This activity also works for seniors in assisted care facilities. Place the elf in a different spot each morning. The first resident to find the elf will bring it to the front desk or manager. This resident then gets to help pick a spot for the elf the following morning. This game can last for the whole month of December!
Gift Wrapping
Wrapping Christmas presents with your loved ones is an easy way to spend the afternoon together.
Baking
There is probably a favourite family recipe that has been passed down to younger generations. Offer to help as your loved ones show off their baking skills.
Decorate the House
Get your loved ones in the holiday mood and bust out the Christmas tree, decorations, and lights. This may seem like an overwhelming task for some seniors, especially if they have limited mobility. They may appreciate some help from their loved ones.
Story Time
If grandkids are visiting loved ones this holiday season, get them to ask their grandparents about “the olden days.” This gives seniors the opportunity to share memories and stories from their youth.
Holiday Cards
This is a fitting activity if your loved one is living with dementia. Depending on their ability, prompt them to either write, address, or simply seal the envelopes. Whatever stage they can contribute too, they will feel included.
Light Tour
Take your loved ones for an evening drive around the city to admire the Christmas lights and decorated homes.
Gingerbread House
Decorating a gingerbread house is something anyone can do. Kids and seniors can get together and create a masterpiece. It doesn’t matter how it turns out, as long as everyone is having fun!