The holidays are a time for joyful get-togethers, home-cooked favorites, and family bonding. From planning around everyone's schedule to making sure there is plenty of food, hosting the holidays is no easy feat. With seasonal cheer comes a lot of hard work. For years, senior parents were perfect hosts for holidays. However, at some point, there will come a time when senior loved ones must pass the hosting torch.
While the act can be bittersweet, it presents a senior's children with an opportunity to show what they have learned from their parents. Approaching the topic can feel tricky and anxiety-inducing, but having that conversation is important for a multitude of reasons.
To begin planning to take over hosting family holidays, here are a few tips to broach the topic of hosts for holidays without hurting a senior loved one's feelings.
Quality Time and Gentle Steps
Major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are often built on tradition and spending quality time together. This can make the idea of taking over a little nerve-wracking. After all, seniors tend to thrive on spoiling their families during these events. However, no one has to take over the entirety of hosting all at once. Instead, taking gentle steps towards hosting can be effective and meaningful.
To avoid stepping on toes, offer to lend a helping hand in preparing the meal for the next big holiday and guise it as a means to spend time with each other. Not only does this allow for bonding time, but it presents an opportunity to learn all the traditional recipes. This can help remove some of the burdens on hosts for holidays of preparing all the food off of a senior loved one's shoulders without being disrespectful.
Everyone Hosts the Holidays With Inclusive Hosting
Taking over the role of hosting can feel monumental However, hosting does not have to be an individual task. Even if preparing most of the festivities, other family members like siblings can contribute as well.
For example, for Christmas dinner, ask other family members to bring a dish. This creates a sense of inclusion as others can partake in smaller tasks without taking away from the holiday spirit. It can be a beneficial change for everyone that's involved.
Senior Helpers Can Be Your Helping Hand This Holiday Season
At the end of the day, safety is the number one priority. If a senior relative typically hosts the holidays, but it is no longer feasible for them to continue to do so, it is important to have an honest conversation about it.
Not sure where to start? Senior Helpers Greater OKC can help ensure that your elderly loved ones are always receiving the care and support they deserve. By lending a helping hand with premier in-home senior care, seniors can focus on enjoying the holiday season without worry. Senior Helpers serves seniors in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Norman. For questions or concerns, contact us today!