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Preparing for the Holidays
Holidays are meant to be fun times with friends and family. For many seniors, however, it’s often a very stressful time as well. One of the keys to successfully weathering the holiday season is some careful, thoughtful planning.
Many elders try to do too much. They assume they need to have everything done as they used to 30 years ago and it sometimes causes great stress. Allowing yourself to just enjoy the time with family and friends is the first key to enjoying the holiday season.
Shopping Dilemmas
Many seniors on fixed incomes may not be able to afford, or simply don’t want to get into the game of buying, extravagant gifts. Before shopping fever overtakes, quietly sit down with your budget and figure out what you want to spend for gifts or special events. Then make a plan and stick with it. Take your shopping list with you, and have a friend or other family member help you to stay accountable-only shopping off your list.
When one senior heard complaints about how “little” one branch of the family received, she was able to reassure that family member that each person had received the same monetary value gift. It freed the senior from guilt and helped remind the complainer that the holidays are more than money opportunities.
Event Planning
Having the children and grandchildren spend time with the grandparents or other family elders is a wonderful idea, especially at the holidays. With a little preparation, the visit can be enjoyable for everyone:
- Plan meals or snacks ahead of time. A crockpot of hearty soup and some fresh-from-the-store (or your oven) bread can make a wonderful, simple meal. Lasagna can be purchased or made ahead of time, and taken out of the freezer and baked for a great holiday change of pace. Or make the traditional ham or turkey before the “big dinner”, slice it and freeze it. Then you just need to reheat on the day of the event.
- If you’re planning a dessert, there are many recipes that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you need them.
- Take a few moments to child-proof your home before little ones come to visit. Remember to put latches on cupboards where you store household cleaners; tuck any medicines out of reach of little fingers (since they can always open a bottle even when you can’t!); and get some free electric outlet covers from your local utility. And don’t forget those special, fragile ornaments or keepsakes that might be within reach of curious children; this might be a great time to tuck them into the china hutch or into a drawer.
- Ask the parents of small children if there’s a favorite game or particular toy they might like. It doesn’t have to be fancy or terribly expensive-just an expression of your delight in having them visit and a great way to occupy their attention while you visit with the older adults.
Spending Time
The biggest gift a senior has to give-or to receive-is time. Many elderly don’t have family close by and would love an invitation to afternoon coffee or dinner. Sometimes even family visits are rushed through and over before anyone can even enjoy the event.
This year, why not make the extra effort to put the real meaning back into the holidays and give a gift that you’d also like to receive: a friendly, relaxed visit with someone special. Please note–this is one gift that doesn’t need to stop when the holidays are over! Many elders would welcome a friendly face anytime, especially during the winter months
