family tradition Archives

All Seniors Want For Christmas, Is Time With You!

We are taught at a young age that giving presents are how we express our love. But as we get older, we realize that it is not the materialistic presents that matter. What truly matters is the present of being present, showing love, and giving our time. This is especially true for the parents, grandparents, and older adults in our lives. The holidays can be loney for older adults who do not live near their families. The isolation brings up feelings of loneliness and sadness. People want to feel loved and appreciated, so instead of taking a trip to the mall, take a trip to your loved one’s house and spend more time with them. There is no better present you can give them.

*The best gift you can give seniors during the hoidays is your time.*

It can be hard for some seniors to travel and join the holiday festivities with their family. If they can not make it, or have a hard time getting around, then take the time to go to them. You can make them feel like a part of the festivities. There are many things you can do together to enjoy each other’s time and have some fun.

Decorate Together

Helping put up decorations for the holidays is a thoughtful gesture, especially if your loved one has mobility issues or lives alone. Who wouldn’t love to see all the lights and decorations that brings joyfulness? Speaking of lights, you and your elderly loved one can take a care ride through the neighborhood to see all the holiday decorations. You can take the tour, enjoy each other’s company, and stop for some tea or hot chocolate.

Create A Tradition

*You can start a family tradition such as game night every week.*

Family game night anyone? Have a family game night once a week, or once a month with your loved one. If family game night is not your thing, then watch a holiday movie, sing some songs, or bake together. Share what is going on in your lives, and take pictures so the memory can last forever. Whatever tradition you choose to create, you can carry it on beyond the holidays with each other.

Paint The Town

A lot of times, your elderly loved one can not go out as often to enjoy the simple things, such as shopping. Either they are immobile, or just lonely. Go out and paint the town together if your loved one can manage! You can go out to eat, shop, volunteer, or just to take a stroll together. This will have a huge impact on your loved one’s mental health. The holidays are a time when some people get depressed, and overwhelmed. It is no different, or even worse for seniors who lost a spouse or friend, and are alone. Include them as much as you can, because this means more to them than you know. Your presence and showing you care can make a whirlwind of difference in their life.

St. Francis of Assisi said “for it is in giving that we receive.” Giving is one of the greatest acts we can perform. It brings others happiness, and it makes us feel good. In a world where people seek to get more than they give, be a giver. Offer your love and support to those who need it. The gift of our love and quality time is worth so much more than any material gift you give.

During The Holiday Rush, Remember To Stay Close To Family

The fall is the beginning of an extremely busy holiday season, bringing on holiday after holiday. The holidays are known as a time for giving presents, but more importantly, it is about family. Spending time with your family during the holidays is the true gift, especially when there is such a disconnect from them all year long. It is a time to reconnect with your family, and it gives you a lot of benefits, both emotionally and mentally. Your family accepts you despite your flaws, and they are the foundation of love and support.

*Take some time to remember your family during the holidays, Being close has so many benefits.*

Overall Well-Being

Many studies have shown that spending time with your family improves your overall self. It makes you happier, and healthier. Children will get better grades in school, and have higher self esteem because of the closeness they have with their family. Around the holidays, this is especially needed because it can be a stressful time for everyone. Parents deal with work related stress, while kids face school stress. Take the time to create quality time with each other, practice sharing, decorate cookies together, or ride through the neighborhood and look at all the lights. De-stress together and make the holidays a memorable one with each other. Presents are fun, but the memories we create together is what will last forever.

Talking with your parents or kids, and hugging them releases the feel good hormones in our bodies that reduces stress. The closer you are with your family, then the more you are able to cope and deal with a crisis.

A Strong Support System

Family loves you unconditionally, supports your dreams, and always has your back. Remember to lean on each other, especially during the holidays. Parents should interact with their kids, listen to their needs, and back their dreams. Uplifting each other will give all of you the confidence to achieve anything.

Start A Family Tradition

*Create a family traidition such as game night, volunteering, or a snowman competition.*

A family tradition is a great way to connect families together. As families evolve, grow, and multiply, having a tradition is a fun and easy way to engage together. A family tradition will be passed on, and will help instill family values, bonding, and love. It is never too late to begin a tradition if you have not begun one already. You can take your family to a soup kitchen and teach them the meaning of kindness and humility. Bake together, create a scavenger hunt, or family game nights. Something as small as these gestures will create a lifetime of happiness together.

Family provides unconditional love, and around the holidays, it is especially need it. It is a time to unwind from the stressors we deal with on a day to day basis. You can rely on each other, create traditions together, strengthen relationships, and become overall happier and healthier. What could be better? Take the time to create some memories with your family this season.