Ways Anyone can Help the Elderly for Christmas

Christmas is a special time of the year though the elderly may need a little help managing the season. Here are a few easy ways you could give of your time to make the Christmas season a little easier for an elder you know. If you want to help out the general senior population contact your local Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Little Brothers (Friends of the Elderly), or your local churches. They are sure have volunteer opportunities available.

Help with holiday shopping. Let your elder know when you will be making trips to the grocery store or department store and offer a ride to them as well. Inside the store, help your elder load their items into their shopping cart, to the register, and back to your car. Once back at their home, bring their shopping bags in and take the time to help put them away.

Hang up their decorations. Decorations bring cheer during the holiday season and your elder should not be left out. Offer to help decorate their tree, hang a few boughs, or even build that snowman in the front yard. When you are older and unable to do these things for yourself you will wish that you had someone like you around to help.

Include them in holiday activities. If you have an extra ticket to The Nutcracker, your kids' Christmas pageant, or to your favorite drive-thru Christmas display, invite your elder along.

Spend time with them. No one likes being alone at Christmas. Your elder probably has many memories of Christmases past as you do. Spend time with them roasting chestnuts, drinking mulled drinks, or hot cocoa. Talk about all the good memories you have and sing carols. Put in a classic Christmas movie like Miracle on 34th St. and enjoy the feeling of the season.

Bring them Christmas treats. Apples, oranges, ribbon candy, and nuts will remind your elder of the bags of Christmas treats they used to receive as a kid. If your church has a Christmas celebration and offers these bags, bring one to your elder or make them yourself. Other favorite treats are Christmas cookies and popcorn tins.

Wrap their presents. Your elder's hands may not be as steady as they used to be. Give them a hand by offering to wrap their presents.

Provide them a holiday meal. Non-profits and churches team up during the holidays to provide needy people with a warm meal. If your group is hosting a holiday dinner for the less fortunate or senior citizens invite your elder along. If they are not feeling well enough to make the trip, bring the meal to their home. Inviting them over to your holiday dinner would be extra special.

Give them warm clothing. Make sure your elder has warm clothing for the winter. Many non-profits and churches do clothing drives before winter begins. Provide them access to these services or look in your closet for any warm clothes you know longer need. A warm sweater or coat would make a great gift.