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The holiday season is often a magical time of the year, complete with decorations, special events, and family get-togethers. You’ll find the magic doesn’t stop once you move into a senior living community. In fact, celebrating the holidays with both your family and your new friends can be special indeed.
To ensure your holidays are great, below is a look at several things you and your loved ones can do to enjoy the season.
Create a Holiday Environment That's Special to You
The perfect way to kick off the holiday season is to decorate your space. Enlist the help of your loved ones, and set aside a special day to decorate your room, apartment, or cottage. For example, decorating a tree or hanging garland is fun for people of all ages.
While you may have plenty of family heirlooms to bring in and decorate your space, you can also consider other features, including an advent calendar, festive pillows or bedding, artificial flowers, and holiday music.
Before hanging any decorations, it's a good idea to consider what items are appropriate for your space. For instance, glass ornaments can break or shatter if dropped, so swap them for plastic or fabric ones that offer just as much holiday appeal. The goal is to create a warm, inviting environment that is also safe and enjoyable.
Participating in Holiday Events and Activities
A great way to experience the joy and wonder of the holidays is to participate in local holiday events. Viewing Christmas light displays, enjoying a holiday concert, or browsing seasonal markets and craft fairs all offer great ways to partake in the warmth of the season with others. Brandermill Woods is ideally located in proximity to the Washington-Richmond area. This gives you easy access to many spectacular holiday events, such as the National Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center, the GardenFest of Lights, and the Holiday Display at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. This doesn’t even include all the holiday events, celebrations, and fairs held right here in Midlothian.
While the local area has plenty of special events to participate in, residents at Brandermill Woods don't have to leave campus to enjoy the holidays. With a robust social calendar for all levels of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing, there are plenty of ways for residents to participate in celebrations, holiday parties, and special events.
If you hope to get the whole family together, residents have the option of reserving one of our private party spaces. These rooms provide plenty of room to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal or Christmas celebration.
Volunteering and Giving Back
The holiday season is a time for both giving and receiving. If you’ve scaled back on some of your household responsibilities, you may have more time to volunteer your time to others. There are plenty of local organizations looking for extra help, especially during the holiday season. Consider volunteering at a local food pantry, or donate gifts or assistance to a local church that provides families in need with holiday baskets.
Brandermill Woods has many volunteering opportunities right here on campus. For instance, there’s always a need for help with activities, friendly visits to other residents, mail deliveries, and decorating the community for the holidays. By giving your time to help create special holiday moments for others, you spread joy and benefit from the social connections and making new memories.
Wellness and Comfort During the Holiday Season
While the holiday season can be full of fun and excitement, it can also be tiring and taxing on your health and well-being. It’s crucial that you prioritize your physical and mental health.
For instance, overcommitting to too many activities or events can deplete your energy and leave you feeling exhausted. Be sure to schedule some time each day for rest and relaxation. With winter also comes an increase in colds, flu, and other illnesses. Make sure you’re staying on top of any concerning symptoms. Identifying an illness early can reduce its severity. To maintain your health during the holidays, stick to your normal routines, such as a regular bedtime, daily exercise, and healthy meals.
Finally, the holiday season can be emotionally draining. It’s not abnormal to feel levels of sadness, stress, or anxiety. If you have any of these feelings, take advantage of supportive resources, such as speaking to a mental health counselor or a clergy member. Talk to your family members, caregivers, or physicians about any issues you may be having. Knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference and ensure you get the care and support you need during this time of the year.
Looking for more information about celebrating the holidays in a senior living community? Call our Brandermill Woods team at (804) 621-7328 to learn about what our community has to offer.
