A small holiday gathering can be a warm way to reconnect during the holiday season. It doesn’t need a large guest list or an elaborate meal. A December or January get-together also gives you a reason to reach out to people you’ve meant to see.
Senior Helpers Northwest Hartford outlines how to plan one that is comfortable for you and your guests.
Send the First Invitation
Loneliness affects adults of all ages. The Surgeon General's advisory on social connection reports that recent surveys found approximately half of adults in the United States experience loneliness.
Others may be hoping someone else will start planning a small holiday gathering. A daytime event can suit guests who prefer not to drive after dark.
Pick a Theme That Fits Everyone
People celebrate different holidays, and some don’t celebrate any. Keep the invitation neutral and welcoming. A general invitation to a winter get-together welcomes everyone.
Guests can celebrate Hanukkah, Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Christmas, or simply enjoy the gathering without observing a holiday.
It also helps to ask guests ahead of time about:
- Food allergies
- Vegetarian or other dietary preferences
- Alcohol, if some guests avoid it
A short phone call or message before the event can help you cover these questions. It also gives you a chance to connect with each guest in advance.
Plan a Menu for a Small Holiday Gathering
Cook the day before, so you can enjoy the gathering instead of working through it. Easy options include:
- Soup or chili made in a slow cooker
- Cheese and crackers
- Cut fruit
- A store-bought dessert
If guests offer to bring something, say yes. Contributing can help people feel like part of the gathering.
Serve food buffet style from a counter at a comfortable height, so no one has to carry heavy platters across the room. Disposable plates cut cleanup.
Chairs With Arms and Well-Lit Paths
Arrange chairs in a loose circle so everyone can hear. Chairs with arms make standing up easier. Keep walkways clear and well-lit, especially between the front door, bathroom, and table.
Remove rugs and cords to prevent trips and falls. Clear the front steps of snow and ice before guests arrive.
A set end time on the invitation takes pressure off guests who tire quickly, and it gives you time to rest afterward. If a guest needs a ride, ask around early.
After the event, the National Institute on Aging offers tips for staying connected that can help you keep seeing the same people into the new year.
Help Hosting Around the Farmington Valley
Hosting a small holiday gathering still means shopping, cooking, and cleaning up. Senior Helpers Northwest Hartford offers in-home care that includes grocery pickups, simple meal preparation, tidying before guests arrive, and cleanup afterward.
If you’d rather be a guest this year, our team can also provide a ride to a friend’s home. Our caregivers serve Avon, Enfield, Windsor Locks, Canton, and Suffield. Contact us a week or two before your gathering.