The holidays are a time to celebrate warmth, joy, and togetherness, regardless of how things may have changed. Keeping in mind the principles of respect, purpose, and engagement, here are a few meaningful ways to create cherished moments with your loved one this season.
Sensory Experiences – Engage the senses and evoke holiday memories through simple, sensory-rich activities:
- Baking Together: While they may no longer be able to handle rolling or mixing, you can still invite them to help with tasks like sprinkling sugar on cookies, choosing cookie cutters, or simply enjoying the smell of freshly baked treats. The aromas, textures, and even the act of baking together can rekindle cherished memories.
- Decorating with Touch: Provide soft holiday decorations such as fabric ornaments or tinsel. Encourage them to explore these items by feeling and arranging them. It’s a great way to make them feel involved without requiring intricate dexterity.
- Holiday Music: Play their favorite holiday tunes. Music has a magical way of lifting spirits and can be particularly comforting, whether it’s just listening or singing along. Even those with advanced cognitive decline can often remember and respond to familiar songs.
Simplified Traditions – The holidays are full of cherished traditions, and even if some of them need to be simplified, they can still bring a lot of joy:
- Crafting Together: Engage in simple crafts like decorating holiday cards or stringing large beads to create garlands. It’s an easy, relaxing activity that encourages creativity without overwhelming them.
- Tree Decorating: Let them help decorate the tree by handing them lightweight ornaments to place on the lower branches. Alternatively, they can participate by offering their opinions on where things should go, helping them feel involved in the family tradition.
- Holiday Lights Drive: For those with limited mobility, a drive through the neighborhood to view holiday lights can be an enchanting experience. It’s a way to enjoy the festive decorations without the physical exertion of walking through a crowded event.
Meaningful Conversations – Engage in simple, meaningful conversations that focus on the topics they love. These can spark positive memories and encourage a sense of connection:
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s your favorite holiday memory?” or “What’s the best gift you ever gave or received?” This can lead to nostalgic conversations that bring a smile to their face.
- Using old holiday photos or cherished ornaments as props can be a wonderful way to stimulate their memory and allow them to share stories. Even if their memory has declined, the act of reminiscing can help them feel valued and engaged.
Shared Purpose – Everyone enjoys feeling like they’re making a contribution, so offer activities that help your loved one feel involved and appreciated:
- Setting the Table: Let them take part in setting the table by allowing them to place napkins, arrange utensils, or pick a centerpiece. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and a way to contribute to the holiday meal.
- Gift Wrapping: Give them simple tasks such as sticking bows on presents or folding wrapping paper. These small, manageable tasks can still make them feel involved in gift-giving traditions.
- Sorting and Organizing: Sorting through holiday cards, stacking boxes, or arranging stockings can provide a meaningful way for them to stay active and contribute without feeling overwhelmed.
Quiet and Calm Activities – If your loved one prefers a more peaceful experience, there are many gentle activities that offer a sense of calm:
- Reading a Holiday Story or Poem: Take a few moments to read a favorite holiday story or a short poem aloud. The rhythm of the words, along with the peaceful atmosphere, can be incredibly soothing.
- Watching a Classic Holiday Movie: Watching a festive movie or even just video clips of holiday scenes can offer a relaxing way to enjoy the season together.
- Sitting by the Tree: Sometimes the best moments are those shared in silence. Sitting quietly together by a lit tree and simply enjoying the soft glow of the lights can be a soothing, grounding experience.