Christine Blankenship, Editor, Vibrant Senior Options
Holiday Blues and What to Do | Feeling far away from friends and family during the holidays? You’re not the only one! Many, many people, both young and old, feel alone or disconnected during the holidays. There are many reasons for feeling alone. For some of us, relatives live far away or are busy during the holidays. Secondly, it could be that we have lost a spouse. Sometimes it is a lonely time because we are not as social and active during the holidays like we used to be. What can we do to stay connected?
Beat the Holidays Blues with a Child
Don’t give up! There are things you can initiate during the holidays. Open your home for a grandchild or two or more! Plan a Christmas movie night and arrange for a time when his/her parents can drop them off. This gives the parents time for a date night or time to shop on his or her own. Keep it simple. Popcorn and fruit or other simple snacks could be shared as part of your time together. Ask their parents what a good movie together would be. Spend a relaxed, special evening together!
Beat the Holiday Blues with Another Senior or two:
Invite another senior, or several, over for dessert and an old Christmas movie. Know a shut in? Bring a movie and dinner or snacks over there. Have favorite games in common? Play those instead of watching a movie. Also, share some favorite memories of childhood or about what your town was like way back when. These events can take place during the daytime, not just after dark. Consider spending time together during the day when driving home is easier and safer in the light.
Beat the Holiday Blues with a Senior Center
Call your local Senior Center and get their schedule. Often, there are events throughout the month while lunch is served. Sometimes there is special music or regular activities, such as games or dance schedules. Often there are volunteer opportunities. Ask the Senior Center director about walking groups, computer classes, craft groups, or other things you may have in common with others at the center. Meet new people! Get involved to make the most of your current activity level!
Beat the Holiday Blues Social Networking
Another way to stay connected is to stay involved with others in your community. For example, reach out to family, friends, church, clubs, or others where you live. Studies show that staying active mentally and maintaining regular exercise can go a long way in staying connected. First of all, you can make an occasional phone call to relatives. Other ideas include a coffee and cocoa date with someone of any age, sending occasional greeting cards throughout the year, or maintain connections with family through facebook.
Your Goals for Staying Connected
As we age, we tend to have more aches and pains and limited mobility. It is important to share health concerns with others. In this way your loved ones can know how to ask questions and care about you. But, even more important, is the goal to encourage others! Remember, you want to make good memories with your younger loved ones. The way to do this is to ask positive questions about their activities. Encourage them to good character by telling stories or memories where you have had a good influence on another. Better yet, let your loved ones know where you wish you could have done better. This example of humility will may encourage character in others. In all this, make it your goal to encourage and strengthen one another to love and good deeds, both in word and example.
Stay connected with others to beat those holiday blues! Do not let distance or age stop you from reaching out in friendship with social networking or Facebook connections, visiting others, or inviting others to visit your place. Most importantly, this should be a year-round quest. You need others and others need you!
Other Holiday Articles
Grandparents and Giving Christmas Gifts
Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide Serving Northwest Washington, including Whatcom, Skagit, and North Snohomish Counties
© 2017 Vibrant Senior Options
