The festive season is here with us, and celebrations this year have been quite different as we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Most of us have been indoors due to lockdown restrictions. Others are fighting the virus in hospitals. Our senior citizens remain at home, in a nursing home or assisted living facilities. However, even with these different circumstances, it does not mean that we cannot celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, especially the elderly.

This year, celebrating Christmas will require creative ideas to show our loved ones we appreciate them, and we are grateful to have them in our lives. The physical distance does not mean that Christmas this year has to be different; we can still share and show love to those we cherish. Due to health concerns related to age, senior citizens have been in isolation as a preventive measure, and most will not be able to celebrate Christmas with their families. If you find yourself in this situation, this article will share Christmas gift ideas for seniors.

• Personalized Gifts

Gifts with a personal touch go a long way in expressing our feelings to our loved ones. Personalized gifts can include a recorded message, a scrapbook with memories accumulated over the years, mugs or jewelry. Families can record an appreciation message for seniors to make them feel connected even with the physical distance.

• Hobby- Based Books

You may consider buying a hobby-based book to help improve a loved one’s hobby or make it more exciting. Older adults prefer cookbooks or craft books that will help them build on their skills over the years. These books will also help pass time, especially during this pandemic where most are in isolation.

• Entertainment Subscriptions

Staying indoors requires a lot of creativity, especially when there is very little work to be done. For seniors, entertainment could serve as a good way to pass the time. Getting them a Netflix or Hulu subscription, this Christmas will make staying indoors a little more enjoyable and worthwhile. You can also get music subscriptions, which will allow them to curate their music and enjoy it through Christmas.

• Grocery Delivery Services

Visits to the grocery store for seniors has become quite challenging during the pandemic. Considering a delivery service to deliver their groceries this Christmas can be one way to show them that you are thinking about them during this festive season. It will also ensure that they are well stocked to prepare their favorite meals for Christmas.

• Gift of Care

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) has reported that two in five adults between the ages of 50 to 80 reported a lack of companionship during the early months of the Coronavirus pandemic. Separation from family for seniors has left many lonely and lacking social interactions. Home Care Agencies are, however, ready to step in and provide the much-needed companionship at the comfort of your loved one’s home. All safety measures observed, the gift of care can go a long way this Christmas for seniors in isolation.

• Gift Sets

Seniors will appreciate a personalized gift set that is curated to meet specific needs. It could be a personal care gift set or an art gift set if they enjoy a certain kind of art. Personalized gift sets are thoughtful and will show your loved one that you have their needs in mind.

• Technology Devices

Communication during the pandemic requires the use of reliable technology devices. Take this Christmas as an opportunity to gift an elderly family member with one of these devices so that you can be in touch frequently. It can also act as a source of entertainment for them while in isolation.

Open the gift of care for your loved one this season!