The holiday season is a special time for all, filled with warmth, joy, tradition and cherished memories. No matter the age, there is no shortage of jolly, holiday activities to keep you engaged, entertained, and full of festive cheer. Here are 12 days of fun and relaxing holiday activities that seniors can enjoy, making the season even more magical.
1. Put on Some Classic Christmas Tunes and Sing Along!
Music has a way of touching our hearts, and the cheerful nostalgia of classic holiday songs are no exception. Playing your favorite Christmas songs and carols can transport you to past seasons of joy and celebration, and enhance the current season with a feeling of familiarity and warmth. Sing along to Bing Crosby’s Winter Wonderland and White Christmas or let Nat King Cole fill your home with festive spirit as you cozy up by the fireplace or enjoy a meal.
2. Do a Festive-Inspired Jigsaw Puzzle – or Any Puzzle
Puzzles are a wonderful way to feed our minds and keep us entertained. Consider tackling a holiday-themed jigsaw puzzle featuring snowy scenes, Christmassy cities, or a winter wonderland. Whether you do it alone or with others, it’s a relaxing and rewarding activity that sparks creativity and a sense of accomplishment as the pieces come together - and it’s the perfect activity for a snowy day at home!
For a fun, non-jigsaw puzzle alternative, follow Heart to Home Meals on Facebook where you can solve our monthly trivia questions, riddles, guessing games and so much more! Find us here.
3. Decorate Your Space for the Holidays
Bringing the holiday spirit into your home can be a heartwarming experience. Hang up ornaments, set up a small Christmas tree, or place festive decorations around your space. Even simple touches like a seasonal centerpiece on your dining table or a festive wreath on your door can brighten your day and create a joyful holiday atmosphere.
4. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie – or Multiple!
There’s something magical about classic Christmas movies and how they can bring out the inner child in all of us. Whether it's A Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, or A Christmas Story, these films touch and inspire us with their messages of love, appreciation, goodwill and hope. Gather some blankets, brew a cup of tea and enjoy a movie marathon, reliving the stories that always warm our hearts.
5. Have a Cozy Card Game Evening with Friends
Spending time with friends and family over a card game can be one of the most fun ways to celebrate the season. Whether you prefer playing Rummy, Go Fish, or Crazy Eights, a night of friendly competition and laughter is sure to fill your heart with warmth and joy, and embody the Christmas spirit of togetherness.
6. Go for a Gentle Stroll to See the Christmas Lights in Your Neighborhood
The beauty of twinkling Christmas lights is something that never grows old. If you’re able, take a gentle stroll around your neighborhood to admire the festive displays. Whether you’re walking through a neighborhood light show or local market, or simply enjoying the dancing lights of homes nearby, this activity can fill you with a sense of peace and holiday wonder.
7. Knit or Crochet Cozy Winter Wear for Yourself or a Loved One
If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, the holiday season is a perfect time to create something special. Knit a scarf, hat, or sweater for yourself or to give as a thoughtful gift to a friend or family member for the colder months. The act of spending time to create something warm, cozy and from your heart for others can bring forth a sense of fulfillment and connection.
8. Make a Holiday Craft
Crafting is another therapeutic and creative way to express your holiday spirit. Making an ornament, painting a festive scene, or decorating a holiday mug are all crafts that can allow you to focus on the present moment and create something beautiful for your home or for gifts to loved ones. It is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to the season.
9. Write Holiday Cards for Your Loved Ones and Community
Sending and receiving holiday cards is a cherished tradition that never fails to bring joy this time of year. Take some time to write heartfelt messages to family members, friends, and even neighbors or members of your community. A thoughtful greeting card is a beautiful way to show appreciation, spread cheer, and connect with loved ones during the season, letting them know you are thinking of them and love them.
10. Have a Relaxing Morning with a Crossword
Among the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, slower, cozier mornings are always appreciated. Consider starting your day with a fun crossword puzzle and a delicious baked treat. Crosswords are not only a fun way to pass the time but they also tease our brains and get our minds going, acting as a relaxing and thought provoking start to the day.
For the perfect peaceful morning combination, find one of Heart to Home Meals’ monthly crosswords at the link here, and give it a go with a delightful pack of Butter Tarts or Blueberry Scones to fuel you.
11. Call a Loved One and Share Festive Memories
The holidays are the perfect time to connect with loved ones near and far. Take a moment to call or video chat family members or friends and share your favorite holiday memories, catching up on what is happening in their lives too. Hearing familiar voices, sharing festive moments, and reminiscing on cheerful experiences can bring a sense of joy, connection, and appreciation during the holiday season for all.
12. Wrap Gifts or Fill Stockings
Wrapping gifts or filling stockings for loved ones can be a delightful activity filled with joy, as Christmas is called the season of giving after all. The thoughtful process of wrapping presents for others, and the anticipation of giving something special to a loved one truly embodies the holiday spirit, with each gesture feeling special, personal, and made with love.
Happy Holidays
These 12 days of festive activities for seniors are simple, joyful, and adaptable ways to make every day leading up to Christmas filled with holiday magic. Whether you enjoy the coziness of crafting, the nostalgia of holiday movies, or the joy of spending time with loved ones, there are many ways to make this holiday season special.
We at Heart to Home Meals hope you have the most lovely, safe, and joyous holiday season, filled with connection, warmth, cheer, and good food.