Enjoying the Holidays in a Senior Living Community

Celebrating the holidays in a senior living community encompasses all the great things that make the season magical — festive feasts, warm gatherings, and holiday cheer. There are plenty of decorations to see, things to do, foods to taste and sounds to hear. Best of all, it's a time for residents to connect with friends, family, and staff in the community to celebrate togetherness and create new memories.

Prepare yourself for the sights and sounds of the holidays. This article offers tips for making the most of this season.

Create a Holiday Environment That's Special to You

One of the best parts of the holiday season is decorating your space so it feels cozy and festive. A little goes a long way when decorating a senior living cottage or apartment. Try displaying a wreath or sign on your front door. This can be a welcoming touch for everyone who passes by or knocks on your door.

Consider using an advent calendar to help count the days down, or develop a creative way to display greeting cards you receive. You can also display a journal and encourage visitors to leave a message for you to enjoy later.

If you want to add iconic decor like a Christmas tree or holiday garland, enlist the help of your friends or family members. Put on some holiday music and enjoy the nostalgia of trimming your tree. You may opt for a tabletop tree to fit a smaller space, but remember, that the lights will twinkle just as bright when you share your festive space with others.

Participate in Holiday Events and Activities

There's so much to do during the holiday season, including holiday parties, celebrations, music events and light shows. Fortunately, Aberdeen Heights is just 20 minutes from the excitement of St. Louis, giving residents easy access to events in the city as well as those closer to home.

For instance, the annual Thanks-for-Giving Parade is a local favorite and Winterfest at Kiener Plaza is held from just before Thanksgiving through the end of the year. There are also plenty of musical performances and holiday shows you can attend. Aberdeen Heights schedules several day trips over the holidays. This allows residents to sit back and enjoy the events of the season while we worry about the driving.

In fact, residents don’t even have to leave the community to enjoy plenty of holiday activities. You’ll find numerous games, activities, events and celebrations to enjoy right here at Aberdeen Heights. Residents have many options and stay updated via the activities schedule for each specific level of care.

Volunteering and Giving Back 

Christmas is also a prime time for giving. Many organizations in the community require extra help during this time. You can help out at the local food pantry, wrap gifts for underprivileged kids, send cards to members of the military or help decorate a church or local nonprofit organization.

Interested residents can also find volunteer opportunities at Aberdeen Heights. For example, some community members help with activities, start a special holiday club or event, visit other residents, support the office staff or participate in a community-wide fundraiser.

Wellness and Comfort During the Holiday Season 

With the Christmas season also comes colder weather. Make sure you have the necessary apparel to enjoy the outdoors this season, including a good coat, a hat, gloves and a warm, comfortable pair of shoes or boots.

This is also the time of year when it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that you forget to maintain your normal routines. This includes getting plenty of sleep each night, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in daily exercise. These steps can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed or overexerting yourself.

The holidays can also be emotional for many seniors. If you start having feelings of depression or sadness, don’t be afraid to reach out for additional support. You aren't alone. Plenty of people are available to help and provide emotional help and support. You may even feel better speaking with a mental health counselor, who can help you discover healthy ways to refocus on the joy of the holidays.

Are you looking for more information on spending the holidays in a senior living community? Reach out to Aberdeen Heights at 314-909-6000 to learn more about our senior living community and everything it has to offer.