Many active, healthy seniors no longer wish to live in a large home that requires constant maintenance. They are downsizing into smaller residences or moving into life-care communities where they have fewer responsibilities and more freedom to enjoy life to the fullest. With this lifestyle shift, many are redefining their family holiday traditions and finding new ways to create memories with loved ones.
Maintaining Bonds While Navigating Changing Family Dynamics
In many families, big holiday celebrations have traditionally been hosted by the grandparents, but when they downsize, that option is often no longer practical. Other life changes such as marriages, births, or cross-country moves can also reshape how families celebrate. When these changes occur, it may be time to adapt current traditions or usher in new ones.
If you are a senior who has recently downsized, or if you no longer feel you can or want to host a large holiday gathering, communicating with family members early is key to making a smooth transition. Hold a family meeting and discuss alternative ways to celebrate. Maybe one of your adult children would be comfortable taking over hosting duties this year, or you could consider starting a completely new tradition.
Changing traditions that have been ingrained in your family for many years can be difficult at first. Family members might grieve the loss of what was and be uncertain about how to move forward. The most important thing to remember is that the true purpose of traditions is to bring people together.
New Traditions Can Be Just as Meaningful
When you meet with your family to discuss creating new traditions, consider everyone’s current lifestyle and family situation. Does everyone live close by, or are family members scattered across the country? Are there babies or young children in the family? How much time off does each person have? Does time need to be shared with a spouse’s family?
Taking these factors into account will help you create new traditions that work for your family as it is now.
Think Outside the Box
New traditions don’t have to follow the same formula—you can get creative and think outside the box. Instead of putting the stress and pressure of hosting on one family, consider a progressive dinner or gather at a mountain cabin or beach house for a more relaxed holiday celebration. If you want to stay close to home, you could dine out at a favorite restaurant or even enjoy a staycation at a local hotel. Many hotels have special events and activities for families during the holiday season like ice skating, cookie decorating, or holiday light shows.
Another great way to celebrate the holidays is to participate, as a family, in activities that give back to the community. This could be shopping for children and families in need and donating to local toy drives or angel trees, serving meals at a shelter or volunteering at a local food bank. These shared experiences can strengthen family bonds and make the season even more meaningful.
However your family decides to redefine their holiday traditions, you will continue to make new memories together. You might even find that the new traditions fit your family’s current lifestyle better, remove some of the stress and pressure of the holidays and allow you to focus more on just spending time together.
Active Seniors Celebrate New Traditions and Connections at Ginger Cove
At Ginger Cove, Annapolis’ premier life-care community, we know that traditions evolve, and celebrating life together can take many forms. Our residents are creating new ways to embrace the season with their families and within their Ginger Cove community, making meaningful connections and cherished memories. If you’re considering making a move in the next year, call us today to schedule a personalized tour. We would love to show you how we can help you live your best life.