We are lucky at the Brookhouse Home as we are able to celebrate the season of Christmas and Hannukah with residents who also benefit from independent living. We enjoy in house activities but our residents benefit from being able to attend church or temple during the Christmas and Hanukkah season in our city and region.

A season of light
For those seniors who are not able to get out as often with their community during this season, maintaining social connection remains key. In this recent article we learned about the benefits of hands-on activities for seniors during the holidays and that social connection and interactive activities have been linked to many health benefits, from physical health to mental health.
In fact, the article notes that a Harvard Medical School shares a 2019 study conducted by The Journals of Gerontology found that the people who had more variety in their social interactions spent less time being sedentary. In fact, the scientists suggested that older adults who live alone may be more sedentary even when they’re getting a visit with their closest friends and family so they need to leave the house to engage with other people and thus have to be more active.
When seniors live alone or are isolated from others, the risk of depression and anxiety setting in is much greater than for those who regularly socialize and seek new hobbies. Whether you’re a resident at an independent living, assisted living or memory care community, staying socially active is key to living a more fulfilling life.
We share some of our favorite holiday activities based on the article for residents here:
1. Wrapping gifts and filling stockings.
For those who enjoy the art of gift wrapping, festive papers and bows make recipients even more excited to open the presents you give. Or you can always stuff stockings with candy canes, trinkets, and special tokens of your love.
2. Decorating wreaths, Christmas trees, and mantels.
Hanging sentimental ornaments, stringing holiday lights, and decorating to your taste is half the fun of the holiday season.
3. Knitting or crocheting cozy winter clothing.
There’s something peaceful about working with your hands to create a handmade scarf or winter cap for friends and family.
4. Retell the story of Hannukah or Christmas
Sometimes there needs to be a reminder of what has brought us all together
5. Singing and dancing along to holiday tunes.
The nostalgic sounds of holiday songs with some caroling thrown in? There’s no better way to evoke memories of holidays past.
6. Popping in a classic holiday movie.
You can’t go wrong with “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” If you’re more into the laughs, “Christmas Vacation” and “Home Alone” never fail to bring about a belly laugh or two.
7. Writing cards for loved ones.
Wish season’s greetings to those closest to you with a special, handwritten card. You can even create the card yourself for an added personal touch.
8. Baking holiday treats.
Cookies, pies, cakes, casseroles, hot chocolate – baking and preparing any of these treats is a wonderful way to carry on tradition or put a new twist on a classic.
9. Organizing a “Secret Santa” gift exchange.
Gift-giving is all about the thought. For seniors who may not have loved ones close by, try organizing a small gift exchange with neighbors to brighten this time of the year.
10. Building gingerbread houses.
There’s no right or wrong way to build a gingerbread house. And there are definitely no rules when it comes to too much candy or icing. It’s always fun to see what residents come up with.
11. Writing in a gratitude journal.
As residents reflect on the past year and think ahead to the new year, writing down all the things they’re grateful for keeps positivity top of mind.
12. Singing and dancing along to holiday tunes.
The nostalgic sounds of holiday songs with some caroling thrown in? There’s no better way to evoke memories of holidays past.