2020 has been a tumultuous year. It brought numerous events that will change our lives forever. This is why it is no longer surprising to see families looking forward to Christmas and the New Year to bring the promise of a better future.
If you have a senior parent, it may be best to plan this year’s Christmas with them. Here are some ideas to help you make your family holiday celebrations unforgettable:
Tips for Celebrating Christmas With Your Elderly Parents
Start a New Tradition
If you have been spending the holidays doing the same things repeatedly, it might be best to change it up this year. After all, many families may be seeing each other after a while during the Christmas season. Throwing something new into the mix can help liven up the celebrations and somehow make everyone forget all the worries about the current pandemic, even for just a few hours. You can make your senior parents feel valued and essential if you have them pass out the presents. Giving them a sense of purpose can help them feel better about themselves. It helps them feel that they are still an important member of the family.
Allow Your Senior Parents Play With Your Kids
When you are busy with the preparations at home, it is okay to give your senior parents the task of looking after your kids. You can suggest doing some bonding activities such as prepping the gingerbread house. It’s not physically taxing for them, yet it can help your senior parents feel needed.
Cook Their Favorite Meals
Do you remember how your parents cooked your favorite Christmas meals when you were younger? Why not return the favor by cooking their favorite meals for this year’s festivities? Don’t be afraid to ask them for their recipes. In fact, they may even help you with some tricks in the kitchen. Use this time to bond with your parents. They may not say it, but they crave special moments with you.
Sing Holiday Songs
Singing holiday songs can bring cheer to melancholic hearts. Our parents often feel alone and lonely. Admittedly, most children tend to get so busy living their lives that they forget their parents want to spend time with them. Singing holiday songs together as a family can make them remember memories of the past, which can help boost their mood and fight off feelings of loneliness.
Seek In-Home Care
If your senior parent lives in an aged care facility, you can still spend the day with them at your home. Should they need special care, seeking dedicated 24 hour care can help them spend this special occasion with you and your family. This way, you can still tend to the holiday preparations, your parents can bond with your kids, and you can have someone reliable looking after your parents.
Wrap Gifts Together
As a form of bonding activity, you can ask your parents to help you wrap the Christmas presents for children the night before the festivities. Not only will it help improve your relationship, but it will also allow your parents to practice their hand and eye coordination. If your parents love making personalized greeting cards, you can have them write one for each family member, or teach them how to make a fun video greeting card.
Spending quality time with our senior parents can boost their overall well being. They will feel wanted and appreciated for their contributions. It will also make them think that they still have a purpose in life, and there is a reason why they should be living the best of their lives.
More Tips for Helping Aging Relatives:
Hi, Throwing something new into the mix can help liven up the celebrations and somehow make everyone forget all the worries about the current pandemic, even for just a few hours. This way, you can still tend to the holiday preparations, your parents can bond with your kids, and you can have someone reliable looking after your parents.