1. Connect With Loved Ones
Fortunately, it’s now the 21st century. Calling your loved ones is as simple as hitting a few buttons on your cell phone or asking Siri to do it for you. FaceTime and Zoom are also easy options, even for the non-tech savvy. If Grandma Ethel can master a Zoom call from her retirement condo, so can you. And, if you’re Grandma Ethel, you go, girl!
Schedule a virtual hangout. Some families have regular family calls each week, regardless of whether it’s the holidays or not. Technology has made it possible to see your loved ones, no matter what part of the world they’re in. Just be mindful of those time zone differences so you aren’t waking up your sleep-deprived daughter at 2 a.m. to see your grandbabies. This is the time to catch up with the latest family gossip, er, news, show off that questionable holiday sweater, or even play a game together.
Is there a new holiday movie you want to see? Watch movies and television shows with distant family members using apps like Teleparty. It’s like Uncle Bob is right there with you, hogging the popcorn and all!
Do you have seniors in your family that are far away this holiday season? Bridging the gap can be both heartwarming and fun. If you can’t do a face-to-face chat, send an email, record a voice note, or (dare we say) write an old-school letter. Taking even five minutes out of your busy day to let someone know you’re thinking of them can do wonders. Sometimes, a simple “thinking of you” can make someone’s season a little brighter.
2. Get Involved in Community Events
Remember when “social distancing” sounded like an introvert’s dream? Who would’ve thought you’d miss being squished in an elevator or elbowing your way through the buffet line? Well, times have changed! As the world continues to find its rhythm again, there’s a renewed longing for genuine connections and shared laughter. As a resident of a Watermark community, you’re not just in the audience – you’re taking the lead in your own narrative.
Forget stereotypical senior living community pastimes. We’re talking a whole new level of fun and engagement with Watermark University. Imagine diving into a vibrant watercolor painting class one day, then stretching out those newly discovered yoga muscles the next. Or how about waltzing your way through ballroom dancing lessons?
Skydiving? Why not! Wine tasting? Cheers to that! The possibilities are endless, from high-flying adventures to serene picnics in the park. Watermark’s Extraordinary Outings are the perfect way to keep the holiday doldrums at bay.
But what if mobility issues have you playing it cool on terra firma? Fear not, because with Watermark’s EngageVR®, your holiday spirit of adventure can take place without ever leaving home.
For seniors not living in a senior living community, the holidays can bring a greater sense of solitude. Remedy that by getting involved in local community events, whether it’s volunteering at the holiday parade or selling crafts at the seasonal craft fair. Find clubs and social events to join that align with your personal interests. Local animal shelters and rescues always need help around the holidays. What better way to spark joy than cuddling adorable dogs and cats that are up for adoption.
3. Embrace Old Traditions and Start New Ones
Traditions are the metaphorical mac and cheese of our lives. They are comforting, wholesome, and often remind us of our younger days. They’re that age-old family recipe, which, let’s be honest, is never as good as mom made.
But just like adding a trendy twist to that mac and cheese recipe (lobster or truffle, anyone?), it’s time to try something new. Feeling the tug of yore is natural, especially during the holidays. Remember, you can ease the melancholy moments by infusing new, happier ones. If an old tradition makes you sad, reshape it. If you hosted a special breakfast every Christmas morning, change it up and turn it into a brunch event with friends or other community residents.
Whether it’s merging old customs or weaving together new ones, the holiday season in a Watermark senior living community is filled with festive opportunities. As you celebrate this year, you might find that blending cherished memories with new traditions lights up your holidays in the most delightful way.
Traditions are like stories – they evolve. And in every chapter of our lives, there’s always room to write some side-splitting footnotes or heartfelt anecdotes.
4. Prioritize Mindfulness and Self-Care
As the days grow shorter and the nights chillier, it’s easy to want to escape and cozy up on the couch with a blanket, sip hot beverages, and perhaps feel a touch introspective. The arrival of winter can also cast a shadow of seasonal depression for some people. While there’s a certain charm to the arrival of wintertime, it’s also a crucial time to prioritize your emotional well-being. During the holidays, we can all benefit from a generous helping of mindfulness and self-care.
One of the best ways to start your self-care journey is through meditation. Concentrate on the gentle hum of your own breath and let it be a moment of serenity amid the bustling holiday season. Meditation offers a tranquil space to declutter your mind. If you’re new to the practice, consider guided sessions. Many Watermark senior living communities now offer meditation classes – a chance to find calm in company.
Sometimes, happiness lies in recounting the little joys. Start a gratitude journal. Each night, jot down three things you’re grateful for. These items could be as exciting as a surprise visit from an old friend or something as simple as the first snowflake on your windowsill.
Don’t be too quick to dismiss the benefits of venturing outside in the cold. Bundle up, watch your step on any icy patches, and take a gentle walk — even if it’s just around the garden or courtyard. The stillness of winter, with frost-kissed trees and the crisp air, can be profoundly uplifting.
No one said self-care has to be a solitary act. Now is the time to share a cup of coffee with a neighbor, plan a spa day with a friend, or join a group day trip somewhere. Often, just the act of connecting with other people can dispel feelings of loneliness.
It’s crucial to remember that while the world outside might seem dormant, there’s a flurry of life within. Integrating mindfulness and self-care into your routine ensures that your internal landscape remains as vibrant and warm as a fireplace on a cold winter’s eve. And in those moments of quiet introspection, always remember: The warmth you seek outside often resides within.
5. Finding Purpose
Winter, especially around the holidays, is a time of reflection. Many people find themselves pondering their roles and contributions. So, what can you do to infuse your days with a sense of purpose this year?
Dusting off the family cookbook is a start. Every family has recipes that evoke memories and stories. By revisiting these dishes, not only do you bring comfort to your table, but you also keep the culinary legacy alive. Consider sharing a favorite recipe with your community, or better yet, host a small cooking class.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s about forming connections. Whether it’s helping out at local holiday events, wrapping gifts for charity, or even just listening to someone who needs an ear, the act of service has a profound way of enriching our own lives.
Maybe it’s time to spearhead a senior living community cookbook filled with cherished family recipes from each resident. The winter season is also a great time to initiate a weekly game or craft night. Whether reminiscing over a game of vintage Monopoly or knitting warm scarves for a local charity, joining forces with fellow residents can rejuvenate your sense of purpose and brighten the colder months.
Delving deeper into spirituality can offer solace during the holidays. Join a discussion group or simply take some time each day for personal reflection.
Lastly, considering a pet might just be the commitment you’re looking for. The companionship a pet brings is often unmatched. Many Watermark communities are pet-friendly, too! However, if a personal pet isn’t feasible, being part of a pet visitation program can sprinkle joy into your days.
