The holiday season is a time of joy, cherishing your family and friends, and eating good food. Unfortunately, it can be a time of loneliness for many seniors in Austin. Sometimes we create unrealistic societal expectations that everyone should be happy irrespective of their situation, but that is not always the case. Typically, seniors have been used to taking charge of making the festive season merry for the younger generations, but as they age and start losing their abilities, the season responsibilities fall to caregivers and loved ones, especially adult children of aging parents. And while we desire to ensure everyone enjoys the holidays, sometimes seniors’ living arrangements and health conditions can make it difficult. So as the festive season gets underway here in Texas, it’s essential to remember that your attention and love are the most invaluable gifts you can offer.

Bring the holiday spirit to your elders and make them feel included and loved with these tips.

Decorate Spaces Together

Have some fun preparing for the season by decorating their home together. Use their treasured decorations and talk about every piece as you get it from the storage. If they can’t actively participate in decking their space, ask them how they think the final product should look and where they would prefer specific pieces to get placed. This is particularly important if your senior spends a lot of their time in a particular room in their home. Place their favorite items where they can get seen the most.

Watch A Holiday Movie Together

Watching a holiday movie can help everyone get in the mood for the season. Get some favorite movies, bring a lot of popcorns and holiday treats, and kick back for a night enjoying movies that celebrate this season. If possible, invite other family members and friends so you can laugh and comment about the movie together.

Assist With Holiday Greetings

Seniors may need help with writing and sending cards, and one great way to spend time together is to help them draft the message, address and stamp envelopes, and drop the cards off at the post office. Although this may sound a bit mundane, you are both spending quality time together while completing tasks listed on the holiday to-do list. In addition, you’re helping your loved ones remain connected with other relatives and friends, which becomes more difficult with age.

Open Gifts Together

As people age, they may get to a point where they have a little trouble physically opening their gifts, but nevertheless everyone will delight in receiving presents and seeing their loved ones’ faces brighten up with surprise. Carry on this tradition to create new memories. You may consider involving young relatives or grandchildren in this event because their joy is contagious and will put everyone in a good mood.

Play Holiday Tunes

Listening to music is therapeutic. Music has the power to enhance your mood and evoke fond memories. Play some of their favorite holiday tunes, whether religious hymns, pop songs, or classical music, in the background while doing other tasks.

Look At Photos of Past Holidays

Old photos are a perfect memory trigger that may make your senior feel more special and involved during the season. Create a photo collage with your senior and swap sweet stories about the past holidays. Seeing those photographs will warm their hearts and brighten their faces throughout the season.

Although you cannot recreate the celebrations of the past holidays, you can create new traditions and memories this coming season. Love and attention are what your seniors need the most this festive season, so ensure you take time to bring a smile and warm their hearts this year.

And if you need any help caring for people this season, reach out to Assisting Hands here in West Austin at (512) 999-7379. This season can be tough for people especially, and we’re here to help