With festive music, glittering decorations and treats galore, there is so much to do and see during the holiday season. These special moments help brighten the lives of those young and old, providing many different ways to stay connected with loved ones near and far.
Celebrate the season with these holiday activities for seniors, which range from yuletide crafts to merry gift exchanges. Whatever you and your loved one choose to do together, we’re sure that these activities will bring joy to all.
The Best Ways to Find and Spread Joy
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the holiday season with exciting activities that encourage togetherness, allowing seniors and their loved ones to both embrace old traditions and create new memories.
Make Ornaments for the Tree
One way to embrace the holidays for the elderly is to create something new that can bring cheer to the home. Whether your loved one has a full-size Christmas tree or a tabletop iteration, designing something in your own style is a great way to introduce some holiday spirit.
Bake Tasty Treats
Connecting with family in the kitchen is always one of the most popular holiday activities for seniors. But instead of putting together a feast from scratch, opt to do your baking together. Craft sugar cookies shaped like trees, reindeer, bells or even Santa Claus, then use vibrant frosting and colorful sprinkles to finish your masterpieces—together. For seniors in need of less sugar during the holiday season, these 10 tips for making cookies healthier is helpful!
Host Themed Movie Night
With a vast number of Christmas movies being released every year, hosting a movie night with friends or family can be a great way to bond during the holidays. Heat up some popcorn, cuddle up with some cocoa and indulge in films the whole family can enjoy, such as “The Santa Clause,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Elf.”
Decorate and Fill Stockings
Those looking for activities to do with elderly parents need look no further this holiday season. Get ready for Christmas Day by decorating your own stockings to hang by the mantle with care. After you’ve completed your festive designs, work together to fill the stockings with items like candy, beauty or hygiene products, fuzzy socks and more.
Listen to Holiday Music
A popular pasttime that can be combined with nearly any other activity is listening to holiday tunes with those you hold dear. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, have some festive songs playing in the background. Talk about the songs and artists you like the most then compile them into a playlist to enjoy all season long.
Take a Drive to View Festive Lights
Another one of the best holiday activities for seniors is light viewing. While many wander up and down suburban sidewalks seeking the most decorated houses, this activity can easily be done from the comfort of your own car, with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa in hand. After you’ve had your fill of lights, talk about which houses were your favorites.
Exchange Gifts with Loved Ones
Giving presents to those you love is one of the most thrilling activities during the holiday season. Families can get together to share their gifts with one another or, if you’re in search of gifts for elderly parents who have everything, host a white elephant party with silly gifts to laugh over for years to come.
A Lasting Impact
There are so many crucial reasons to make plans with your senior loved ones this holiday season. Many people who receive companion care in their home don’t see their loved ones as much as they’d like to. But family get-togethers are especially important during the holidays to help combat loneliness and encourage social interaction.
In addition, festive activities can help boost mood and overall well-being, as they offer cheer while also ensuring that your senior is surrounded by those who matter most.
Home for the Holidays
If you need help setting up holiday activities for seniors that will keep the whole family entertained, enlist the help of FirstLight Home Care.
Our professionals are eager to help and can make staying home for the holidays a truly wonderful experience for all involved. Reach out to inquire about a personalized quote for in-home senior care or call 844-879-7300 to talk with your local FirstLight team today.