A move to a senior living community can change some family traditions. It is an excellent time to rethink some things you and your loved ones have been doing for years. It may be the time to change some things and start valuing each other’s presence. It is the perfect time to spend together instead of stressing over your holiday to-do list. Here are some ways to celebrate the holidays in a senior living community in Pinehurst, NC.
Planned Festive Outings
Willing and able residents can attend local holiday events and activities. Many senior living communities go all out for holiday celebrations. That includes holiday-specific outings and activities for residents and their loved ones. Some of these activities may include:
- Community decorating
- Holiday movie screenings
- Holiday crafts
- Evening light shows
- Holiday plays at a local theater
Community Celebrations
Seasonal entertainment and live music are standard in many senior living communities. The community may welcome live music or carolers to perform for residents to get them into the holiday spirit. These celebrations are available for all residents and their loved ones to enjoy.
Holiday Favorites
For most families, great food is a central point for holiday celebrations. The same is true for senior living communities. Around the holidays, retirement communities often add holiday-specific meal options to their regular menus. That could include new dessert options, roast dinners, or residents’ family favorites.
While moving into a retirement community may change how you celebrate the holidays, it also offers a unique opportunity to create new memories and traditions with your family and friends.
Winter and Holiday-Themed Games
It is important to reconnect with the meaning behind each holiday celebration and have fun with friends, family, and fellow residents. That is why many retirement communities organize holiday activities for residents to enjoy all season long. Some of these include:
- Holiday Trivia
- Winter bingo
- Wreath assembly
- Ornament decorating
Some communities also create a bulletin board with residents’ holiday traditions and memories. That allows them to share their favorite things about the holidays and bond over shared stories and family recipes.
Holiday Card and Gift Exchanges
The holiday season is the perfect time to remind your friends and loved ones how much they mean to you. There are several ways to do this. One way is to organize a gift swap with your fellow residents or set up craft tables where everyone can design holiday cards for family members and friends. A holiday card exchange allows residents to build community and spread kindness.
Creative Get Togethers
It may be too overwhelming to have your entire family celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas with you in your retirement community. In that case, you can still get together with your loved ones with some creativity. For example, you can have different groups of friends or family members visit at different times. You can also set up video chats and open presents together virtually.
Conclusion
A retirement community should make you feel like you are on a permanent vacation. That is especially important during the holidays. Holiday activities and celebrations for residents are a sure way to brighten the season and keep them engaged.