The holiday season is a time for connection, traditions, and togetherness. But if this is your loved one’s first year in a senior living community, you may be wondering how the holidays will look and how to make them feel just as meaningful. The good news? The season can still be warm, joyful, and full of memory-making. With a little planning and the right support, families can enjoy a relaxed and comforting holiday experience.
Whether you’re preparing for holiday visits or supporting a parent in assisted living or memory care, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of the season.
1. Start With the Community’s Holiday Calendar
Most senior living communities, including Lighthouse, offer a robust calendar of seasonal events. Checking the community calendar helps you plan visits, keep traditions alive, and make it easy for extended family or grandchildren to join in.
These may include:
- Ornament decorating
- Caroling and musical performances
- Holiday meals and socials
- Light-the-tree or community-wide celebrations
- Crafts, cookie decorating, or winter storytelling
2. Prioritize the Traditions That Matter Most
Your family may not be able to recreate every holiday tradition this year, and that’s okay. Instead, choose the traditions that mean the most to your loved one. The format may be slightly different, but they can hold the same magic and help anchor the season.
Consider traditions like:
- Baking cookies together in your home or a shared community space
- Driving to see holiday lights
- Watching a favorite holiday movie
- Reading a treasured story
- Attending a service or streaming one together
- Preparing one favorite recipe
3. Keep Gatherings Simple, Calm, and Comfortable
Energy levels can fluctuate for older adults, especially those in assisted living or memory care. Keeping celebrations small, quiet, and flexible can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
A few tips:
- Hold shorter visits, or break up celebrations into multiple mini-gatherings
- Avoid crowds and overwhelming sensory environments
- Bring a wheelchair, walker, or mobility support if needed
- Choose familiar music, foods, and activities
- Be prepared for your loved one to need breaks or rest
4. Bring Holiday Cheer Into Their Living Space
Decorating your loved one’s apartment is a simple way to make the season feel festive and familiar. If you’re not sure what’s allowed, the senior living staff can guide you on what’s appropriate and safe.
Small touches go a long way:
- A wreath or door décor
- A tabletop tree
- Family photos or holiday cards
- Warm blankets or cozy winter scents
- Battery-operated candles
5. Rethink Gifts: Choose Meaningful, Useful, or Experience-Based Options
Storage space in senior living apartments is often limited, and many seniors prefer gifts that feel personal or practical.
Good options include:
- Soft blankets, slippers, or adaptive clothing
- Digital photo frames with family pictures
- Favorite snacks or seasonal treats
- Hand creams or sensory-friendly items
- Simple puzzles or games
- A holiday outing together
6. Stay Connected, Even From a Distance
If travel is difficult or schedules conflict, you can still make the season feel close and warm. Small gestures can mean a lot, especially when routines and environments are new.
Stay connected by:
- Scheduling video calls during the present-opening
- Sending care packages with handwritten notes
- Dropping off a favorite meal from a local restaurant
- Sharing digital photo galleries or family holiday videos
- Recording a personal holiday message from each family member
7. Communicate With Senior Living Staff Early
At Lighthouse Senior Living, our team partners with families to ensure holiday celebrations feel welcoming, comfortable, and meaningful.
Our staff can help you:
- Understand visiting hours and event schedules
- Prepare for dietary restrictions
- Offer insight into what your loved one enjoys
- Provide updates on their energy levels or needs
- Support decorating or gifting ideas
8. Enjoy Holiday Games and Activities for Older Adults
Consider trying these fun, low-stress games for bringing laughter to loved ones living in senior communities this holiday season. Tip: Always consider their level of mobility, energy, and cognitive abilities when playing games. Keep them short, easy to follow, and social.
Play these games:
- Holiday Bingo
- Christmas Trivia
- Holiday Pictionary or Charades
- “Guess the Scent” Game
- Cookie Decorating or Craft Contests
- Memory Match or Holiday Puzzels
9. Remember What Truly Matters: Quality Time
The holidays may look different this year, but the heart of the season remains the same. Your loved one values your presence more than perfect plans, elaborate gifts, or rigid traditions. Whether you’re sharing a meal, listening to holiday music, flipping through old photo albums, or simply sitting together, you are creating moments that matter.
Making the Holidays, and Every Day, Special
The holidays are a time for comfort, connection, and cherished memories. At Lighthouse Senior Living, we help families create joyful moments through festive community events, personalized care, and quality time together. Schedule a personalized tour today and discover why families across Maryland trust Lighthouse Senior Living in Hopkins Creek and Ellicott City to help their loved ones thrive.