New Holiday Traditions to Start with a Loved One in Assisted Living

Seniors are often sticklers when it comes to maintaining their holiday traditions. However, at UMC at Bristol Glen, we have a few rebels in the bunch who are always up to trying something new. If you are in the mood to do something different, or if you have a loved one who is new to assisted living this holiday season, here are a few ideas for new traditions you can start with them.

Christmas Movie Marathon

A Christmas movie marathon might not seem like a new Christmas tradition to start, but when you combine it with a “hot chocolate tray” it revamps this classic tradition. Everyone can get cozy by the television with a fresh cup of hot chocolate, complete with their favorite toppings! For the hot chocolate tray, you’ll need your favorite brand of hot chocolate and an assortment of toppings. Our favorites are candy canes, mini marshmallows, peppermint oreo cookies, pirouette cookies, caramel drizzle, and, of course, whipped cream! Some of our favorite holiday movies here at Bristol Glen are The Grinch, Home Alone, Charlie Brown Christmas, and a Christmas Carol.

Make and/or Decorate Christmas Cookies

If you don’t feel like following a recipe to bake Christmas cookies from scratch this year, just decorate them – that is the best part after all! You can buy a Pillsbury sugar cookie roll from the refrigerated section, cut the roll into slices, and bake. For the fun part, you’ll need a jar of frosting (or two) and an assortment of Christmas sprinkles. Depending on how involved you want this to be, you could also pick up food coloring, piping bags, and tips to decorate with frosting. The options are endless, so you and your loved one can really get creative! There are also pre-made cookie decorating kits to make life a little bit easier during this busy season.

Take a Drive

Some locations are known for having an over-the-top Christmas lights display. Pick a night, get the family together, and take a drive to one of these attractions that never disappoints! Skylands Stadium is known for a 1-mile drive-through Christmas light show that is set to holiday music, in addition to a Christmas village and winter carnival. No matter how old you are, this Christmas light display will take your breath away. It’s the perfect way to take a break from the holiday stress and fill everyone up with a little Christmas cheer. The Skylands Christmas light show is every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 24th- January 9th.

Holidays at our Senior Living Community in Sussex County

Whether you’re a holiday rebel or a traditionalist, we have room for both at UMC at Bristol Glen! We make the holidays a grand celebration with holiday-themed events, traditional meals, sweet snacks, and holiday activities like Christmas PJ day. If your loved one is new to our community, have them reach out about incorporating their holiday traditions here. We are always open to new ideas and are dedicated to making the holidays a time to remember for everyone.

For more information about our activities for seniors in Sussex County, please give us a call or visit us at: https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/new-holiday-traditions-to-start-with-a-loved-one-in-assisted-living/