Fun Holiday Ideas for Seniors

By Caren Parnes for Senior’s Choice

Winter weather can make it hard to stay active and productive, but there are many fun and creative ways to stay mentally and physically active during the winter holidays. Here are a few fun activity ideas for this holiday season:

Attend a holiday crafts fair
A festive way to enjoy the holiday season is to go to a holiday crafts fair with friends and loved ones. Crafts fairs generally support local artisans and feature an array gifts that can give you a big head start on your holiday shopping.

Make holiday arrangements
Everyone enjoys a beautiful wreath, holiday centerpiece, or floral arrangement. If you’re a little rusty in your crafting skills or just want some expert advice, some florists, craft stores, and nurseries offer classes that demonstrate how to make holiday-specific arrangements.

Bake together
Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, marzipan—there’s no shortage of holiday goodies that all ages can enjoy making and eating together. Team up with a friend, sharing recipes, and sampling your best work in the kitchen.

Go caroling
You don’t have to be a great singer to get in on the fun of holiday caroling. Check your local newspaper in December for opportunities to participate in Christmas caroling, or call your local community center. If singing isn’t your thing, take in the comforting sounds of others caroling at a Christmas concert or play.

Paint a holiday window mural
Christmas is a time to decorate your home and make it merry. Holiday murals transform your ordinary windows or glass doors into a winter wonderland. And you don’t have to have special talent in painting to make something look nice—just use a template of an image that you enjoy. You can purchase water-based acrylic glass paint at any arts and crafts store, and it will easily wash off your windows in January.

Start a game night
There’s no better way to wile away wintery evenings than to challenge some partners to test their skills at your favorite games. Whether you prefer a board game, puzzle, bridge, or cards, inviting others over for a game night gives everyone a great opportunity to celebrate together.

Get kids involved
If you have grandchildren or other special young people in your life, the holidays present a magical chance for connection. Show kids how to cut paper snowflakes, string together cranberry and popcorn garlands for the Christmas tree, or make colorful paper chains as ornaments. You can also teach kids to bake Christmas cookies, sing favorite Christmas songs together, or read holiday-themed books to them.

Volunteer with charities
Whether or not you volunteer regularly, the holiday season is an ideal time to start. Many charities coordinate special programs to help the needy during the winter. You’ll find that by volunteering, you’ll reap rewards that are at least as great as what you’re giving.

These are just a few ideas to get you going. With a little imagination, this holiday season can be full of active fun, as you connect with others in your family and community. So get started and have fun! ■