The Christmas season is always special, and retired seniors often find they have more time on their hands during the holidays than in past years. Since older adults are usually past the point of decorating their homes for large dinner parties and celebrations, it is important that they plan other activities that help them enjoy the Christmas season. Consider including one or more of these activities in your plans this December.

Deck the Halls

For many people, the holiday decorations come out as soon as Thanksgiving ends.
Whether you live at home or in a retirement community, take the time to make your
living space holiday ready. Put up a tree, hang your stockings or string lights to create a joyful, festive atmosphere. If putting up decorations has become difficult, then call the kids and grandkids over for help!

Send Greeting Cards

Whether you’ve always mailed annual holiday cards or it’s your first year, sending
Christmas greeting cards is a great way for seniors to reconnect with distant family
members and friends. Gather your address book, envelopes, stamps and some  festive cards or stationery! Your loved ones will love to hear from you, and you can enjoy receiving cards in the mail in return.

Visit a Holiday Light Display

Many towns set up special holiday light displays starting after Thanksgiving and lasting all the way through the end of the year. This is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit, and since most displays can be viewed by car, it’s a great activity for seniors with mobility issues.

Go Christmas Caroling

Gather a large group of friends and family for Christmas caroling. Go door-to-door in
your neighborhood or your residential living area and sing your favorite holiday tunes. Caroling is a great way to spend time with loved ones while also spreading Christmas cheer to neighbors around you.

Make a Holiday Craft

If you have a creative streak, try your hand at a craft this holiday season. Build a
gingerbread house, make ornaments or create a beautiful wreath for your door—the
possibilities are endless! Make it a group activity and have your friends join or dedicate special time to make something special for the holidays with your grandchild.

Attend a holiday musical or play

Many churches, schools and community centers put on special performances around
the holidays. Whether you enjoy ballets, theatrical plays or musicals, attending a
holiday-themed performance is a great way to get out of the house and into the
Christmas spirit.

Bake Cookies

If you love to bake, the holidays are a great time to pull out your recipe book and get to work on your favorite cookies. Baking with loved ones is a great way to spend quality time together while passing on traditional recipes. You can even gift the cookies to neighbors and friends to show someone you care this holiday.

While the holidays may change as you grow older, you can still find many old and new ways to enjoy this special time of year!