Six top Christmas activities to do with elderly loved ones this festive period

1. Christmas movie marathon

It’s not Christmas without a festive movie or two. Get the whole family together and have your very own movie night complete with popcorn, sweets and snacks. The joy of Christmas films is there is something for everyone. Whether you watch a classic like ‘It’s a wonderful life’ or go for more of a modern movie like ‘Elf’, everyone will enjoy sitting down, spending quality time together, getting in the festive mood.

2. Christmas shopping and gift wrapping

Offering to help with Christmas shopping and gift wrapping is another activity you can do with your elderly loved one. As we get older, tasks like shopping and wrapping presents can become harder. Hands may become stiff and unable to wrap gifts like they used to, and mobility issues may mean your loved ones do not want to go out shopping on their own. Offering to help them with their shopping and wrapping could mean the world to them. Rather than a trip to the local shopping centre, make it extra special and visit local craft fayres or Christmas markets. Winchester Christmas market runs from the 19th November until the 22nd December, where you will find tempting treats and unique Christmas gifts.

3. Indulge in Christmas food

Christmas is a time for family and friends, food and drink. Get the family together for a pre-Christmas day meal. You could cook at home or you could go out to eat (because, let’s face it, who wants to do all that washing up?) With many pubs, restaurants and cafes offering Christmas menus to suit all tastes and budgets, you will find something for everyone!

4. Christmas lights switch-on

There is nothing better than getting wrapped up warm, heading to your local town centre and watching the Christmas lights turn on! With a fun-filled, friendly atmosphere, Christmas light switch on events attract families from all walks of life and all ages. Indulge in mulled cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep warm and experience a festive family evening out.

5. Attend a Christmas Carol service

It can be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind with all the hustle and bustle around Christmas. From Sunday 5th December to Sunday 19th December, Winchester Cathedral will be running a spectacular family Carol service exploring the story of Christmas with carols, stories, lights, and laughter. Perfect for all ages, taking an elderly loved one to one of these Sunday services is an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

6. Deck the halls

Christmas is not complete without a tree, tinsel and lights. Help turn your loved ones home or room into their own winter wonderland. Decorate the tree as a family, put up their Christmas cards, bedazzle the neighbours with Christmas lights. Large or small, decorating for Christmas is fun for all ages. Just don’t argue about who will put the star on top of the tree!

Why not get the kids involved with their grandparents and make Christmas decorations this festive period? From paper chains to wreaths, every time your loved ones look at the homemade ornaments, they will know just how loved they are!

Christmas at The Dower House

At The Dower House, we understand how important Christmas and family time is, which is why we offer an array of Christmas activities. We have five movie nights scheduled, the staff are performing at The Dower house Carol Concert on the 21st of December, and we are hosting a Christmas Party with wine and canapes on the 22nd of December for our residents.

We ensure the magic of Christmas reaches every resident, even in Covid times; if you are looking for a family orientated, friendly nursing home for your loved one, please call 01962 882848, where one of the team will be delighted to help.