For many seniors, hosting big family gatherings under one roof during the holidays might be a thing of the past, but it doesn’t mean that there are not ample ways to make your new home or residence feel festive and bright this holiday season. Even if you’re no longer tasked with cooking multiple courses for a Hannukah seder or strapping a pine tree to your car roof for Christmas, Move Seniors Lovingly has some space-friendly suggestions for getting into the spirit of the season—all while making new memories and traditions.
No tree? No problem
If you’re used to setting up a big tree every year, you might feel a pang of nostaligia for hanging up all your special ornaments and trinkets with loved ones. Still, there might also be a bit of relief for the time saved by not rifling through box upon box of decorations. If you’ve recently downsized to a smaller place, such as a condo or residence, but still want a symbolic tree, there are many creative alternatives. Tabletop trees or live plants add a bit of festive pop, all while working with the room you have. We especially love the plant options from Tonic Blooms (in the Greater Toronto Area), which work great as a gift to yourself. Door wreaths are another way to add a personal festive touch when you’re short on space. We think they look just as great in a hallway as on a frosty front door.
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Gather round
Your holiday get-togethers with family and friends might look slightly different than they did years ago. Perhaps you no longer have to set an adults’ and kids’ table or time the gravy just right, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy creating new memories centered around holiday meals. If you’re keen on continuing to host, many retirement residences can book out their private dining spaces for your group, with all the charm of an atmospheric restaurant and none of the wait time or loud noises. If you’re having people over to your smaller space, wine, cheese, and light bites are all festive food alternatives to a full meal that are bound to be less sleep-inducing than a turkey dinner.
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Let the light shine through
Just because you’re no longer pulling out your ladder to decorate your front porch with holiday lights doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the comforting glow of seasonal lights. Instead of spending your time untangling string upon the string and checking for burnt bulbs, we suggest swapping them for some flameless votive candles, lanterns, or light-up signs for low-maintenance merriment.
Prioritize the memories
If we look past all the intricate table settings, piles of presents, and fussy fanfare—the true spirit of the holidays is in our hearts. No matter the size of your home, the real gifts are the tender moments of peace and togetherness with your loved ones. You may no longer live in the house you raised your family in, but the love you instilled throughout the years remains. Remember this as you roll out a sheet of cookies with your grandkids or see an old friend who could use the company over the season.
Move Seniors Lovingly wishes you a happy holiday season and all the best in the new year!
– Published December 2023
Header Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock
Move Seniors Lovingly is a full-service Senior Move Transition Company solely dedicated to assisting seniors and their families in all aspects of the transition from their present home to a new home or senior community. If you or a loved one are planning for a move, reach out to our team of professionals for support and guidance, or to schedule your free consultation.
Call 1-888-884-0804 or Email: info@moveseniorslovingly.com
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Move Seniors Lovingly
Toronto, Ontario
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