Creating Holiday Memories While Apart

The holiday season is here and now is the time to create a lasting memory with your loved ones. This year Christmas may be different due to the pandemic and the uncertainties of the world; perhaps you are thinking of all the holidays prior and the holiday traditions that you celebrate year after year. You may be asking “What will my holiday season look like this year?”. You must decide to have gatherings or no gatherings? You might be asking yourself how do you spread holiday cheer if your loved one is a part of an assisted living community? How do you make memories while being apart? Do not let the uncertainties of the world stop you from spreading holiday cheer and celebrating those traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Here are some great gift ideas that will make this holiday season memorable and continue to keep those traditions thriving.

1. A Personal Gift

Giving a gift that is personalized is something that will be treasured forever! Having any of the following personalized with a photo of you and your loved one/family will make a memorable gift:

• ornament
• photo frame
• blanket/pillow
• recordable book
• a copy of their favorite holiday book
• coffee cup

2. A Gift Full of Memories

Bring back memories with a blast from the past! When you think of the Holiday Season what movie comes to mind that you would watch every year with your family? What tune have you listened to every year during your Holiday gatherings? Gift them with their favorite holiday movie or record to remind them of the wonderful memories associated with them. Here are some favorite holiday movies:

• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34^th Street
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• A Christmas Carol
• A Christmas Story

Here are some favorite holiday songs:

• “Silent Night” by Bing Crosby
• “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
• “O Hold Night” by Josh Groban
• “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes
• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland

3. The Gift of Delicious Treats

Every year what treats are made to celebrate the holiday season? The tradition maybe to make cut out Christmas cookies, homemade fudge, candy, cakes, or pies. What treat(s) brings the most memories to your family’s traditions? Share these memories with your loved ones by delivering these to them. Need help with what to send? Here are a few ideas! Treats

• Gingerbread cookies
• Cut out cookies
• Orange Pistachio Divinity
• Holiday Rum Balls
• Butterscotch Crunchies or Haystack Cookies
• Molasses Cookies
• Dipped Gingersnaps

Candy

• Candy canes
• Peanut brittle
• Fudge
• Peppermint Bark

The uncertainties of the world do not have to stop you from spreading holiday cheer or seeing that your family’s traditions are celebrated. Think of your favorite memories and traditions that you have shared with the ones you love and wrap them up in a bow! Be creative in keeping those traditions thriving through the pandemic. At Culpepper Place we love to spread cheer and bring in the holiday season with a smile. You may be wondering how Culpepper Place of Olive Branch is celebrating this Holiday Season with their residents? Contact our assisted living community to see what we have planned!