The holiday magic so well-known to children may slowly change for adults over the years as responsibilities and family demands take priority. When life’s busy schedules slow down for retirees, recapturing that magic for older adults takes a bit of creativity.
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3 Unforgettable Holiday Activities for Seniors
How are holidays different?
When trying to plan unforgettable holiday activities for seniors, a good place to start is by remembering what makes a holiday different from other days. Holidays can feel magical. How? By thinking about the essence of the holiday spirit and how to create some measure of:
- Surprise or anticipation
- Excitement
- Remembrance
It doesn’t matter the activity necessarily as long as it cultivates goodwill and positive feelings. Today’s warm holiday feelings become tomorrow’s cherished memory.
3 Ideas for unforgettable holiday activities
If you’re searching for inspiration, here are 3 unforgettable holiday activities to get you started.
1. Plan a big surprise – By listening closely, you’ll find a loved one who’s always wanted to try something new or has a bucket-list wish. Maybe it’s a ride in a hot air balloon or a ride in a limo. Or maybe it’s something as simple as watching an old movie with a grandchild. The point is to deliver that surprise! By involving other family or friends, you’ll be creating that authentic sense of fun, and anticipation so tied to a holiday.
2. Sing! Unless a senior plays music or sings as a regular hobby, the opportunity to celebrate with music doesn’t happen very often. Gather friends from the neighborhood or residents in the retirement community and host a holiday singalong. Invite those from different backgrounds and cultures to share a traditional song and engage a local musician to lead the party. An evening laughing and singing around a piano or with a guitar can truly be unforgettable.
3. Make the mundane magical – with a little effort, you can make even the routine feel magical. Swap out regular dishes for holiday ware. Set up a tea or coffee bar with holiday treats or cocoa and leave it out during the season. Decorate with intention, stringing lights where they’ve maybe not been seen before. Gather a few friends at an unexpected hour like an afternoon tea or an early morning sunrise breakfast.
Whether big or small, each holiday can be made special by thinking creatively and listening for unspoken wishes.