For many families, distance makes every holiday season a little harder to plan. If you can’t afford the flights or can’t get enough time off work or school, seeing your parents during Christmas may be hard. Add the current pandemic to the mix and many families will not be gatherings in 2020.
If you live too far to travel, are in an area where travel is restricted, or can’t afford to visit, what are your options this year? Instead of having a gathering that puts your parents at risk of catching COVID or another virus, why not gather virtually on Christmas morning?
Ideal Camera Set-Ups
A phone, tablet, or laptop is all you need for a Christmas morning gathering. Set it up near the tree and have everyone sitting within view. Connect to other families using a service like Skype or Zoom. As presents are opened, everyone gets to say thanks. The joy of a surprise is also captured virtually. Make sure you take turns so that everyone has time in the spotlight.
As activities move to cooking, you can still interact. Move a phone or tablet into the kitchen with you.
Share Favorite Recipes
Think about the things you enjoy each Christmas morning. Your aunt’s sausage rolls always have everyone ready to eat. The cheese and spinach quiche your mom makes each year is your favorite part of Christmas breakfast. It could be the gingerbread latte your brother whips up for everyone.
This year, get everyone to share recipes. You can remake the full breakfast in your home. Chat together online as you cook. If anyone has questions, you’re right there to ask them and get immediate answers. When the food is cooked, your family can sign off and sit down for the meal.
While it’s a different approach, it still embraces the traditions your family created. Spend the rest of the day creating new family traditions with those in your household.
What About the Rest of the Year?
With luck, families will be back to their usual gatherings in 2021. Until then, are your parents getting the help they need? Senior care is one way to make sure they are. Caregivers are happy to help with meal preparation, transportation, cleaning, and other activities of daily living.
Have caregivers stop by each week to do the laundry and change sheets and towels. Arrange for daily visits to make sure your parents get out of bed, take a shower, and have someone there to remind them to take their prescription medications. Call a senior care agency to make these arrangements.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Parker, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
