by Sherrin Griffin VP, Operations, Sidney SeniorCare – 

As the holiday season fast approaches, we are all reminded of what this special time of year means to us and our families. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali or other seasonal festivals, we can all agree that it is a truly magical time to not only observe age-old traditions, but to gather together young and old to enjoy the beauty of the season. It’s a time to lay down arms, divest ourselves of worry about the current state of the world, and focus on peace and goodwill towards others.

Steeped in tradition and time-honoured rites, the holidays are a golden opportunity to let the seniors in your life really shine; trust me – they have the inside track on the best Christmas movie classics, the most delicious cranberry rugelach recipes, and tips to get that turkey dinner cooked to juicy perfection.

More than a few famous seniors are associated with this special time of year – Bing Crosby’s song White Christmas is still wildly popular after eight decades, and who hasn’t watched the 75+ year-old It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart at least a gazillion times. The wisdom, values and messaging in these classics are timeless, no matter how many decades pass.

With no doubt, at the ripe old age of 1,752 years old, the most celebrated holiday senior of all is Father Christmas – “Saint Nick” or “Santa Claus,” as he is more commonly known. According to legend, a Turkish monk named Nicholas born sometime around 270 AD became well known for his good deeds and signature “miracle” of placing gold in the hanging stockings of three sisters to provide money for their dowries. His kindness and generosity became widespread and he was eventually deemed the patron saint of children, with the legend later spreading to America by a group of Dutch settlers.

While the Santa Claus of today seems to be more associated with commercial hype and boundless gifts, today’s seniors can help to remind us how to enjoy the simple delights of the season – how wonderful it feels to give whole-heartedly, rather than receive, and to share holiday tasks together whether that be making popcorn strings for a Christmas tree or creating a light display for Diwali.

While we’re rushing around trying to get everyone that perfect gift, it’s important to remember the well-being of older family members, and other senior members of our community. Sadly, many seniors will spend the holiday season alone this year, with some having no family nearby, or at all, while others languish alone in hospital or long-term care facilities. Even though loneliness isn’t reserved just for Christmas, it is felt more acutely during the holiday season when advertising and expectations are at their highest point of the year.

The best gift we can give seniors this holiday season is to open our homes and hearts up to those who get lost in the shuffle. We can all make a difference, by sharing festive treats with an older neighbour, popping a holiday card through a senior’s door, or by simply taking a few minutes to have a chat with an elderly member of your community – these kind gestures only take a moment and can have such a positive impact on seniors’ overall well-being.

Communities often organize special efforts to help seniors during the holidays. Check with your local groups, charitable organizations or churches to see if you can help out over the holiday season with cooking/transporting meals, groceries or gift baskets, or simply companionship to a senior in need. Happy holidays to all!