Many people look forward to the holiday season. This is a time of year that is often associated with holiday traditions, spending time with family friends, eating delicious food, going to holiday parties and enjoying the beautiful winter weather.
However, this can be a hard time of the year for seniors. They may feel nostalgic or lonely or depressed during the holiday months. As the holidays approach, they can begin to become upset about health issues, the loss of loved ones over the past year or their inability to travel to see family this year. The holiday blues can affect anyone, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.
But, there are a few ways to help seniors beat the holiday blues. How can seniors avoid a blue holiday season this year?
- Listen to holiday music.
Just listening to holiday music can help to lift your mood. If you’re feeling adventurous, go out caroling around your neighborhood, attend a holiday concert or a community holiday sing-along.
- Bake holiday treats.
Is there one cookie or sweet that instantly reminds you of the holiday season? Bake some of your favorite cookies, cakes, breads and treats to get you in mood for the holidays. Baking them can be just as fun as eating them afterwards!
- Send holiday cards.
Holiday cards can be a great way for you to stay connected with family and friends that live far away. Go through your address book and send cards to new friends, old friends and all those in between.
- Get out and see some holiday lights.
The holidays are the perfect time for a walk or drive around the neighborhood (depending on weather) to see the holiday light displays. Each house looks a little different and it’s always fun to see how the owners chose to decorate each year.
- Watch a holiday movie.
This time of year is a great time to watch television. It seems like every channel has some kind of holiday movie on, whether it’s a classic like It’s a Wonderful Life or a new favorite like The Polar Express. Tune in and you’re sure to catch a holiday movie or two each day.
- Share your favorite holiday memories.
When you’re spending time with your family or friends, take some time to share your favorite holiday memories from the years passed. This can even be done on the phone, over Skype or through email. Reminiscing about your favorite memories from the holidays is always a good way to make your day a little brighter.