The holiday season can be especially challenging for aging loved ones who aren’t capable of fully enjoying the holidays on their own. Maybe they can no longer decorate their home. Or maybe they long for their favorite home cooked holiday meal, but are not able to do so for themselves.
It’s the season for giving after all, and what better way to give than by helping an aging loved one feel more “at home for the holidays?” Here are several ways you can help make their home environment feel merry and bright with some simple acts of kindness that will surely be appreciated.
- Give and Send Christmas Cards
As your loved one ages, arthritis and other ailments may prevent from signing and sending out Christmas cards like they used to. They may also receive less cards in the mail in return. Bring back this wonderful source of holiday cheer by helping them send cards to family and friends. You can help them write a special message, sign and seal the card. In return, be sure to bring them an extra special Christmas card that they can display in their home. Whenever they see this card they will think of you and be reminded of the spirit of Christmas.
- Help Decorate
The thought of bringing holiday decorations out of storage and hanging them throughout the home can be overwhelming for an aging loved one. They may choose to simply not tackle this task and be left with a house that feels less than festive this special time of year. Spend an afternoon lending your services to decorate their home with a few key decorations. A table top tree, wreath and a poinsettia flower can make the world of a difference to brighten up their home for the holidays.
- Sing Christmas Carols
Singing your favorite holiday tunes together will create a lasting memory while also bringing Christmas cheer into the home. Don’t worry about how you sound or if you know all the words, what counts is spending time together and also helping your aging loved one refresh their memory as they reminisce upon younger days singing these same songs.
- Cook a Favorite Meal or Treat
What are the holidays without some delicious treats? Find out what food your aging loved one most loves at Christmastime and make it for them! You can either make it in advance and surprise them with a box of their favorite cookies or slice of cake at your next visit, or you can make them a part of the experience. Spend a day baking and talking in the kitchen as they teach you their “secret recipes.”
- Spend Extra Quality Time Together
While you may make every effort to visit with your loved one regularly year-round, the holidays deserve some special attention. Schedule extra visits or lengthen your regular visits to spend quality time together. The holidays are very lonely when spent alone. Demonstrate love through your commitment to spend time with your aging parent or friend this holiday season.
Have you helped an aging loved one feel more “at home for the holidays?” Share with us what you did to help them feel this way by leaving a comment below!
