Observing December’s Main Holidays with Seniors

Did you know that there are more than a dozen holidays celebrated in December alone? There is a seasonal celebration for nearly everyone to reflect on what’s most important to them. However, observing December’s main holidays with seniors might look a little different.

The holiday season is important to many seniors. It gives them an opportunity to reminisce on the good days, spend time with family members, give back to their communities, and be thankful for what they have. To make the season particularly memorable for your elderly loved one, consider these ideas for observing December’s main holidays with seniors.

Celebrating Christmas with your elderly loved one

Decorating the home and Christmas tree is a time-honored holiday tradition. Your elderly loved one can be involved in this process by assisting with hanging ornaments, fluffing garland, and sorting through any other nick-knacks you might have. Make your decorating even more special by crafting ornaments and other holiday décor.

Later in the season, you can hop in your car with a warm drink and drive around your neighborhood to see the lights. For a holiday activity that keeps them at home with just as much holiday cheer, put on their favorite Christmas movies. Bake some holiday treats together for an additional festive flare to your movie marathon.

Celebrating Hanukkah with your elderly loved one

No matter the dates Hanukkah falls on (this year it’s December 18-26!), it is always eight days of light, laughter, and joy. Of course, a perfect way to celebrate the holiday is gathering around the menorah to light the candle to honor the miraculous eight days of light the lanterns burned in the temple. This is also a great time to recite the story of Hanukkah, or perhaps of holidays come to pass.

Bring the whole family together in the kitchen and make traditional Hanukkah foods, such as potato latkes and sufganiot. Once your hard work is completed, enjoy your treats over seasonal games, such as spin the driedel.

Celebrating Kwanzaa with your elderly loved one

Kwanzaa has grown to be a popular holiday among African Americans that celebrates unity and culture. Across the seven-day celebration, put out the holiday’s primary symbols and principles. These principles are: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Discuss what they mean for oneself and the family as a whole. This would also be a great time to remember those who have come to pass, and the future of your community as a whole.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve with your elderly loved one

Your elderly loved one might not want to stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year, but they can still enjoy the holiday. New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to reminisce on all the blessings of the past year and look forward to all that is to come. Sit with your loved one to look through photos, and set resolutions for the upcoming year.

The holidays are easier with an at-home caregiver

The holiday season is great fun, but it can also be a stressful time. An at-home caregiver can make it easier. At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our caregivers receive ongoing training so you can be confident your loved one is properly taken care of. We happily assist with any non-medical activities of daily living, including:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• And more

For more information on our services, call us at 773-274-9262.