By Erin Denstaedt, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
Holiday Survival Tips for Seniors: How to Build Your “Friend Family” and Find Joy This Season
As we enter the holiday season, it’s often referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it’s also one of the most stressful. The holidays can be challenging for anyone with family, but they can be just as difficult for those without. While we can’t choose our family, we do have the power to decide what role family plays in our lives. And yes, we can absolutely create a “family” out of friends. Through the love and support of close friends, you can build something meaningful and healthy. Here are holiday survival tips for seniors looking to create community, find joy, and navigate the season with resilience.
Establishing Your “Friend Family”
If family ties aren’t close or supportive, it’s possible to build a “friend family”—a group of people who support, understand, and uplift you.
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Reframe Your Thinking: Open your mind to new possibilities. Family doesn’t have to mean biological connections. Family is about those who are there for you through thick and thin.
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Value the People You Have: Recognize and express appreciation to the people in your life. Quality matters more than quantity; even two close friends can be a fulfilling family.
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Acknowledge the Holidays Can Be Tough: The holidays aren’t always easy. Some days are going to be harder than others. Accepting this can help you cope better.
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Accept Invitations and Say “Yes”: Be open to invitations from others, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual outing.
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Celebrate on Your Own Terms: If a holiday movie marathon or a cozy evening with a friend feels right, embrace it! Celebrate in ways that make you feel good.
Additional Holiday Survival Tips for Seniors
For seniors navigating the holiday season alone or with limited family contact, here are some additional strategies to help you stay positive and fulfilled.
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Recognize Loneliness is Temporary: Feeling lonely isn’t a permanent state. Many people feel the same way, and connection is possible.
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Be the Hero, Not the Victim: Take control of your happiness. Build the life you want by taking small risks and saying “yes” to new experiences.
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Rethink Holiday Expectations: Avoid comparing real life to “perfect” holiday stories. Hallmark movies might be entertaining, but real holidays are often different.
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Practice Self-Compassion and Tough Love: Be kind to yourself, but also encourage yourself to stay positive. Avoid self-pity by choosing action over inactivity.
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Volunteer and Help Others: If you’re alone on a holiday, visit a food pantry or help a local charity. Giving back can bring fulfillment and community.
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Connect Through Technology: Use friendly phone calls, online communities, or video chats to reach out to others in similar situations. Technology makes connection easier than ever.
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Be Grateful for Every Day: Appreciate each day, knowing that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
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Consider Talking to a Professional Counselor: Sometimes, sharing your feelings with a counselor can help you process emotions and find direction.
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Create New Traditions and Look Forward: Embrace the present and create your own unique holiday traditions. The season can be whatever you want it to be.
Let Concierge Care Advisors Help You Build Community
At Concierge Care Advisors, we understand that the holidays can be a challenging time, especially for seniors. If you or a loved one could benefit from support, companionship, or help creating meaningful connections, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in building community and finding joy this holiday season.
