Merry and Bright: Celebrate the Holiday Season with Joy
Holidays are filled with traditions that bring greater joy with each passing year. Yet over time even the best traditions evolve, and a sense of nostalgia may hover along with fond memories of years gone by. That’s a sign that it’s time to create new traditions that honor the past and celebrate the promise of years to come. For residents who are settling into a new senior living lifestyle, the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the community and embrace the array of holiday activities for seniors.
One of the great advantages of independent living is the tapestry of personalities you’ll find within the community. During the holiday season, residents’ eclectic backgrounds come to life in numerous rewarding ways, from those who share your delight in unique holiday crafts to those who dedicate the season to giving back to causes you care about, too. You’re sure to find residents engaged in festive activities that align with your own interests.
A close-knit community like Canterbury Court—which offers independent living in Atlanta, Georgia—is truly a special place during the holiday season. The halls are decked in festive splendor, and the activities calendar is chock-full of fun and entertaining events. Whether you prefer to stick close to your own home, venture out into the community or explore Atlanta’s best holiday attractions, it’s the time of year that invites you to rediscover the magic of the season.
Bring the Holidays Home
One surefire way to capture the holiday spirit is surrounding yourself with seasonal decor that brings you joy. Even a few small touches can transform your senior living apartment into a festive space that reflects your style. Need some inspiration? Try one of these ideas to invite the holidays into your home this season:
Decorate a window display. If you’re hesitant to rearrange your furniture or simply want to forgo the fuss of a tree, try designing a festive window display instead. A colorful swag or pretty stocking makes for an attractive centerpiece, and you can incorporate twinkling lights, garland, bows and even ornaments to embellish your design. Leave your curtains as they are or swap in some drapes in a bright holiday hue for a finishing touch.
Make the little details count. Adding a dash of holiday flair here and there goes a long way toward creating a holiday haven. Simple swaps like exchanging your usual hand towels for a favorite holiday print bring subtle touches that add up to a big overall impression. Other easy ideas include cheerful accessories like holiday pillows, throws and place mats, along with your favorite figurines and collectibles. You can also add some lively festive flair with a classic holiday bloom such as a Christmas cactus, poinsettia or amaryllis.
Don’t forget the door decor. Set the tone for a jolly good time before you even enter your home. Deck out your entry door with a collection of your favorite holiday trimmings, such as a festive wreath, photo montage and sparkling garland. For an extra touch to carry your merrymaking inside, add a stylish holiday welcome mat to greet guests as they cross the threshold into your home.
Incorporate elements for all your senses. Embracing the season isn’t just about the festive decorations you can see; be sure to invite your other senses to the celebration. A diffuser with a seasonal essential oil such as pine or cinnamon adds instant ambiance to your space. Scented pine cones, room sprays and homemade potpourri are other options for adding pleasing aromas without the hazards of a candle flame or stove top simmer that could accidentally run dry.
Your taste buds undoubtedly want to get in on the fun, as well, so keep a supply of your favorite holiday treats, like peppermints or peanut brittle, to share when friends drop by. Remember the merry music, too, so you can hum along while you prepare for a fun-filled season.
Contribute to a Joyful Community
As an independent living resident, you can count on a community calendar filled with plenty of holiday activities for seniors. This is especially true in a community like Canterbury Court, where staff and residents alike look out for one another and actively work to build a sense of family and belonging.
Revisiting your favorite holiday traditions—or trying out some new ones—is a wonderful way to begin building relationships you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. In a resident-led community, not only can you join in the merrymaking others have planned, but you have the opportunity to introduce your own ideas for bringing everyone together. Check out these ideas that give you all the best reasons to connect with your new neighbors and enjoy some festive fun.
Make sweet friendships. Tasty treats are a staple of holiday celebrations, and nothing spreads good cheer quite like a selection of holiday cookies and candies made by hand with loving care. Gather a group of neighbors who share your love of baking and organize a progressive party with each resident preparing a different dessert so you can rotate through each apartment and sample them all while admiring one another’s holiday decor.
Gather ’round the big screen. An onsite movie theater is just one of the amenities residents enjoy at Canterbury Court, and movie buffs gather regularly to enjoy feature films. With two flicks playing each day, you’ll have ample opportunity to revisit the classic hits and maybe even catch a holiday movie you’ve never seen. Afterward, your viewing group can make your way to one of the many dining venues for a meal while you rehash your favorite scenes.
Spread good cheer. Living in a community that offers a continuum of care means you have neighbors nearby who need extra support, and they may not be able to join in the holiday festivities the same way you do. Ask how you can help bring cheer to others in your immediate community, whether it’s helping make crafts to decorate their rooms or forming a group of carolers to wander through the community bringing sounds of joy.
Make wellness a priority. The holidays are notoriously a time for over-indulging, but even fitness classes are likely to incorporate fun holiday themes with tips to keep your healthy habits on track. Plan to join a group class to learn some new winter workout moves while meeting new people. Physical health aside, other wellness amenities make it convenient to enrich your body, mind and spirit during a season that can place extra demands on the head and the heart.
Add a Helping of Holiday Adventure
Venturing outside the community to explore only adds to the excitement of the holiday season. Each year, the Buckhead area (and beyond) showcases the best of good tidings and cheer with enticing events, unique gift ideas and delicious seasonal treats.
Share Your Blessings
Giving back isn’t just a way to help those around you; it’s a chance to reap some feel-good benefits of your own. Volunteering offers opportunities to learn new things, make new friends and embrace a sense of purpose any time of year. However, for many, the holiday season is a time of reflection and gratitude, which may in turn amplify your desire to pay forward your own blessings.
You may find that your independent living community already has some volunteer activities planned, but you can expand your giving in other ways, too. For example, if you have a special skill or talent to share, or you’re passionate about a specific cause, you can find a local nonprofit organization that matches your interests. Invite some of your new neighbors to join you and make it an all-around feel-good festive day.
Tour Homes for the Holidays
If you’re still considering a move to independent living, the holiday season is a wonderful time to plan a visit to a community you might consider making your home. Families often travel to spend time together during the holidays, so it’s easy to gather everyone’s input during a tour. You’ll also get a personal glimpse of the festive energy that fills the community and the sense of camaraderie that makes all who visit feel welcome.
Call 470-906-5703 to learn more and schedule a personal tour for you and your family.