The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and family togetherness, but it can also bring its share of stress—especially for seniors. As the festivities approach, it’s essential to plan ahead and find ways to enjoy the holidays without becoming overwhelmed. Whether you’re a senior looking to manage your holiday season more smoothly, or a family member hoping to support your loved one, these stress-free tips will help ensure that the holidays remain a joyful and peaceful time for everyone.
At VRS Communities, we encourage a relaxed and enjoyable holiday season for our Senior community residents in Surrey, keeping in mind that less can often mean more. Let’s explore ways to enjoy the holidays without stress and make the upcoming season truly magical.
Start Planning Early
One of the best ways seniors at Pacific Carlton can avoid holiday stress is to start planning early. By tackling tasks in advance, seniors and their families can reduce the feeling of being rushed or overwhelmed. Here are a few things you can begin preparing well before the holiday season kicks into full gear:
- Create a gift list: Begin making a list of loved ones you plan to gift, and start shopping early. This way, you avoid the crowded malls or the rush of online shopping as the holiday approaches.
- Organize travel arrangements: If family members are coming to visit their senior loved one in Surrey or if you’re travelling to see them, now is the time to start booking transportation and accommodations. Travelling during the holidays can be stressful, so planning ahead will ensure that everything goes smoothly.
- Send out invitations: For those who plan to host gatherings, sending out invitations early allows you to confirm attendance and avoid last-minute surprises. It also gives guests time to prepare.
Starting your preparations early can significantly lower the amount of stress and allow you to actually enjoy the weeks leading up to the holiday season.
Simplify Holiday Traditions
The holidays are often filled with beloved traditions, but for seniors, some of these traditions may feel overwhelming. Instead of giving them up entirely, consider simplifying them to make the experience more manageable.
Downsizing Decorations
Decorating the home is a classic holiday tradition, but it can be physically taxing for seniors at their retirement home in Pacific Carlton. Instead of a full-scale decorating session, consider focusing on a few key areas, such as:
- A small Christmas tree or a festive wreath.
- Hanging a few favourite ornaments rather than a full tree decked out with all the ornaments, christmas lights, and tinsel.
- Adding a touch of holiday décor to the dining area, where guests will gather.
Family members can help make decorating an enjoyable and collaborative activity without the need for elaborate setups.
Opt for Smaller Gatherings
Large family gatherings can be tiring for seniors. A smaller, more intimate celebration with close family and friends might be more suitable, allowing for quality time together without the pressure of a large event. This can also make it easier for seniors to enjoy the experience without the noise or chaos of a big party.
For those who are used to hosting, consider a potluck-style dinner where each family member contributes a dish. This reduces the burden on the host and makes it easier to manage meal preparation.
Set Boundaries for Holiday Events
The holiday season is filled with parties, gatherings, and events, but it’s important for seniors to set boundaries and pace themselves. Attending every event can quickly lead to exhaustion, so choosing which gatherings are most meaningful and enjoyable is key.
Communicate with Family
It’s essential that seniors feel comfortable expressing their limits to family members. This might mean attending fewer events or leaving an event early to rest. Families should encourage seniors to listen to their bodies and communicate openly about what they’re able to manage.
Pacing Yourself
Attending events is enjoyable, but not every day needs to be filled with activity. Seniors should give themselves permission to say “no” when needed and schedule rest days between events to recharge.
Involve Family in Holiday Preparations
The holidays are a family affair, and involving loved ones in holiday preparations can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for seniors. Family members can help by taking on some of the holiday responsibilities, allowing seniors to focus on the things they enjoy most.
Decorating Together
Turn decorating into a family event by inviting grandchildren or younger family members to help. Not only does this lighten the load, but it also creates a special bonding experience across generations. Seniors can oversee the decorations, share stories about family ornaments, or help with simpler tasks while leaving the heavy lifting to others.
Sharing the Cooking
Seniors living at Pacific Carlton may not often do their own cooking, but they can still get involved in other ways. Family members could bring a dish that they know is a favourite of their loved one at the senior community of Pacific Carlton or bake something special together with the seniors. Engaging in these activities helps maintain a connection to holiday traditions without the stress of full-on meal preparation.
Consider Online Shopping and Thoughtful Gift Giving
The holiday shopping rush can be one of the most stressful aspects of the season. Seniors may no longer feel comfortable navigating crowded shopping centres in or near Pacific Carlton, but fortunately, online shopping offers a convenient solution.
Tips for Stress-Free Shopping
- Shop early: Avoid the last-minute rush by starting your online shopping in November or even earlier.
- Look for online sales: Many stores offer online promotions or early holiday deals, allowing you to save both time and money.
- Opt for gift cards: If shopping for specific items feels overwhelming, consider gifting experiences or gift cards, which allow recipients to choose something they truly want.
Gift-giving doesn’t have to be material either. Handmade crafts, photo albums, or offering experiences like a movie night or afternoon tea can make heartfelt, memorable gifts. Maybe seniors at Pacific Carlton could take the skills and inspiration from our fall craft blog post and make some homemade gifts for their loved ones this holiday season.
Delegate and Accept Help
It can be difficult for seniors who are used to handling holiday preparations to ask for help, but there’s no shame in delegating tasks. Whether it’s asking a family member to help set up for a party, prepare a dish, or take care of shopping, sharing the responsibilities ensures that seniors don’t feel overwhelmed, and everyone can feel the joy of the holiday season.
Family members can also take the initiative by offering help rather than waiting for seniors to ask. Sometimes seniors may hesitate to request assistance, so being proactive can make a big difference.
Focus on Quality Time, Not Perfection
For many seniors, the joy of the holiday season lies in spending quality time with loved ones—not in having the perfect tree, meal, or gift. Shifting focus away from perfection and towards connection can help reduce the pressure to perform during the holidays.
Instead of stressing over every detail, seniors can embrace low-pressure activities such as:
- Watching holiday movies together.
- Spending an evening reminiscing and looking through old family photos.
- Enjoying a small, cozy dinner rather than a large, elaborate feast.
Family members can support this shift by letting seniors know that their presence and company are what matter most.
Plan Relaxation Days
The holiday season can be busy, but it’s important to take time for relaxation. Planning downtime between holiday events allows seniors to rest and recharge.
Consider scheduling specific relaxation activities, such as:
- An afternoon of reading with a warm drink.
- Enjoying a quiet evening watching holiday lights or listening to music.
- Taking time for a peaceful walk to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Planning these quiet moments ensures that seniors don’t feel overwhelmed by constant activity and have time to unwind.
Create New, Low-Stress Traditions
As we age, some old traditions may no longer be practical, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop creating new memories. Seniors can adapt their holiday traditions to better suit their lifestyle while still keeping the holiday spirit alive.
New Traditions to Try
- Holiday card-making: Crafting cards to send to family and friends is a creative and meaningful way to celebrate the season.
- Virtual gatherings: For seniors who have family members far away, virtual get-togethers through video calls can provide the same warmth as in-person gatherings.
- Holiday music and movie nights: Host a holiday-themed movie or music night with fellow residents, where everyone can gather to enjoy classic holiday tunes or films.
Plan for Downtime During Family Visits
Family visits are often the highlight of the holiday season, but they can also be tiring. It’s important to plan downtime during these visits so that seniors have time to relax.
Encourage Balance
Balance is key when family visits. A day full of activity should be followed by a quieter, more restful day. This gives seniors the chance to rest and appreciate the visit without feeling drained.
Family members can help by arranging activities that are low-energy, such as game nights, movie marathons, or simply sitting down for a chat.
The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. By planning early, simplifying traditions, and prioritizing quality time, seniors and their families can enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season. Whether it’s getting family involved in preparations or scheduling downtime to relax, these small adjustments can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free celebration.
At Pacific Carlton, we encourage our residents and their families to embrace the joy of the season while staying mindful of their well-being. If you’d like to learn more about how we celebrate the holidays at Pacific Carlton, or if you’re interested in joining our vibrant community, we invite you to book a tour. Call us at 604.373.1412 to schedule your visit and discover all that we have to offer.