Top 5 Holiday Activities for Seniors

The holidays are officially in full swing! It’s time for merriment, quality time with family and friends, and fun activities that we can all enjoy—especially seniors. 

This holiday season, Aging Resources of Douglas County wants to help make this year one to remember. In that effort, we’re offering up these five ideas for things seniors can do to get the most out of the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. 

Activity #1: Holiday Arts and Crafts
There’s no stopping you when you’re armed with a colorful stack of construction paper, some sharp scissors, and a little creativity! The possibilities for creating something fun and festive are endless; here are some great crafting ideas to get you started: 

• Christmas wreaths. Nothing spreads a little holiday cheer quite like a unique Christmas wreath hanging on the front door or above the fireplace. Consider adding some sprigs of fir, spruce, or pinecones that can be found in wooded areas throughout the front range.
  
  
• Fun, funky stockings. When Santa comes, he’ll be on the lookout for colorful, decorative stockings hung on the mantle with care. Search out your local thrift store for just the right stockings, and then make them your own through the addition of sequins, lettering, or embroidery.
  
  
• Tree ornaments. Crafting tree ornaments are a simple, creative way to provide a fun activity for seniors of all ages and abilities. Get some green, red, or white ribboning, and let your imagination run wild! 

Activity #2: Sing Holiday Songs
When you’re ready to really ramp up the holiday spirit, why not break out in song? Holiday classics are always in season after Thanksgiving, so get some hot apple cider to whet your whistle, and organize a singing session with the entire family. 

Choose from timeless classics like those on this YouTube playlist, including such unforgettable tunes as: 

• Deck the Halls
• Jingle Bell Rock
• Feliz Navidad
• White Christmas
• Frosty the Snowman

Singing Christmas songs are a fantastic way to recollect those great holiday memories from times gone by. 

Activity #3: Check Out Local Light Displays
The Denver Parade of Lights is always a great time, and seniors can relax by sitting in the grandstand sections. Tickets for these seats are reasonable, too—often costing less than $20 each. 

Also, the Denver Zoo runs an ongoing holiday lights event that is well worth visiting. Tickets for this fun event range from $15-$20 per person. 

And then, there is always the option of driving around suburban neighborhoods near you, admiring the handiwork of those who’ve toiled so hard to transform their homes into lit-up works of art! 

Activity #4: Watch a Classic Holiday Movie
Holiday Movie Night is a surefire way to share the joy of the season. Have a chuckle or two watching the eponymous movie, “A Christmas Story”, or relive holidays past by running a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, with James Stewart and Donna Reed. 

Need more movie ideas? Here’s a big list of some of the best movies to watch this holiday season. Grab some popcorn, corral the grandkids, and settle in for an evening of laughs and good times. 


Activity #5: Have a Card-Writing Party
Thoughtful, hand-written holiday greeting cards are a real treasure these days, especially when so much of our communication has moved towards electronic forms. This holiday activity idea is simple, affordable, and a ton of fun!

And remember, you don’t have to rush out to your local Hallmark store and spend a lot of money to do a great job with holiday cards this season. Start with the basics—some plain white paper and a few colored pencils—and create whatever you feel. There are no rules, and sometimes, the best holiday cards are the ones that are made personally, with the sender’s authenticity and uniqueness baked right in. 

What other fun, festive holiday activities can you think of? Let us know! 


Most Importantly: Enjoy Life!

At Aging Resources of Douglas County, we’re passionate about empowering seniors to live their best lives. This holiday season, take some time out with the senior in your life, and spend some of your holiday season appreciating them as they continue to add more and more value and character to your life every day. 

Seniors love being included in holiday activities. Hopefully, this list of holiday activity ideas gives you some food for thought as you go about planning festivities with friends and family. Have a great holiday season this year, and we’ll see you in 2020! 

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