{"id":362,"date":"2012-11-24T02:20:49","date_gmt":"2012-11-24T02:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/farrarhome.org\/home\/?p=362"},"modified":"2013-01-26T01:40:42","modified_gmt":"2013-01-26T01:40:42","slug":"november-making-the-holidays-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farrarhome.org\/home\/?p=362","title":{"rendered":"Making the Holidays Special"},"content":{"rendered":"

AGING GRACEFULLY<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u00a0Making the Holidays Special<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Christmas<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/b>It\u2019s that time of year!\u00a0 We have just finished our Thanksgiving<\/a> celebration and Christmas is just a few weeks away.\u00a0\u00a0 This is a time to spread and receive joy and love.\u00a0 Together with family and friends, we enjoy good food, gift exchanges and making happy new memories.\u00a0 Unfortunately, for some senior citizens Christmas can be a sad time.\u00a0 Many are alone and do not have friends or family with whom to spend the holiday<\/a>.\u00a0 I have some suggestions that may make your holiday and someone else\u2019s the best it can be.<\/p>\n

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Invite an elderly neighbor or couple for a holiday meal with your family.\u00a0 Open your home and your hearts to someone who has no family nearby and is unable to cook a Christmas meal.\u00a0 Having someone who has loved to cook for years help you prepare the meal could be, in itself, a wonderful gift.<\/p>\n

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Give a helping hand to a senior citizen in your neighborhood to decorate for Christmas.\u00a0 Many older people like to decorate, but simply cannot do so on their own.\u00a0 Spend an afternoon with someone. Help them buy and put up a Christmas tree.\u00a0 A wreath on the door and a few lights outside do wonders in helping a person to get into the Christmas spirit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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There are countless Christmas functions going on throughout the area.\u00a0 Ask an older person to attend a concert or church service<\/a> with you.\u00a0 A ride to see the lights is always a favorite for most people, but if a person cannot drive, they miss out on this fun time.\u00a0 Make room for one or two more when you make you plans to view the holiday displays in town.<\/p>\n

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Visit your local retirement homes.\u00a0 Christmas caroling or just a friendly visit during the holidays can bring great joy to individuals who are feeling lonely at Christmas time.<\/p>\n

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Check with local nursing homes to see if you can bring presents for those residents who do not have family.\u00a0 The staff may be able to give suggestions about items patients may need or enjoy.\u00a0 Small baskets can be made up of necessities and some fun gifts.<\/p>\n

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The Christmas season is a time for giving and receiving, but as we grow older, we realize the best gift anyone can give is the gift of ourselves.\u00a0 A kind word or a conversation with someone who may be lonely, or just showing compassion and care for our fellow human beings can be the best gifts of all.\u00a0 We sometimes don\u2019t realize how powerful our words and actions can be.\u00a0 We all have the ability to make someone\u2019s life better, and in turn, fulfill our own.<\/p>\n

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At this time of year, the Farrar Home is full of family and friends enjoying various activities.\u00a0 The community has always played a large role in helping the residents fully appreciate the holidays. I can tell you, from experience, that the suggestions above can make a difference in a person\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

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We invite you all to celebrate this season at the Farrar Home Christmas Tea and Open House this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.\u00a0 I wish you a holiday full of peace, love and happiness.<\/p>\n

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Submitted by Carol McKee, RN, Farrar Home Administrator<\/p>\n

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