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New Holiday Traditions to Embrace during Retirement Years
At various stages of life, it becomes necessary to adjust beloved holiday traditions. Childhood holiday routines that inspired unforgettable magic don’t always carry over perfectly after getting married. Blending with other traditions beloved by new family members from other households often requires compromise. The retirement years bring a new phase of life, when there usually aren’t children in the home anymore. For many over 65, the hubbub of the holidays so familiar for many decades has become a quiet time of isolation and struggling with feelings of loneliness. One way to inject more joy in the holidays is to establish new holiday traditions to brighten life as it is now.
Find ways to give
At the heart of holiday tradition is the spirit of giving and of expressing appreciation for the special people in our lives. It is undeniable that giving in the right attitude lifts the spirit. In fact, giving can be and often noticeably is more satisfying than receiving. Giving doesn’t have to cost money. You can give a smile and acts of kindness at just the right time, to make someone’s day. Everyone loves to be appreciated. Just finding a way to express your gratitude to someone who makes a difference in your life will spark your holiday season with life. Sharing some cookies from the batch you’re already making, sharing some snips from plants you grow, and inviting a lonely someone to enjoy a walk or a meal with you are all ways to give.
Decorate
Decorations for the holidays don’t need to be elaborate. If you miss the atmosphere created by seasonal décor, there’s no need to go without it altogether. Just a small touch here and there can serve to spark happy memories and inspire you to create new ones.
Play Seasonal Music
Playing music is good for the soul. Fill your home with holiday tunes throughout the day. Rather than mourning the loss of traditions, savor memories of joyful holidays past, which music can help trigger. With electronics of today, all of your favorite holiday tunes are probably available without charge on YouTube or through some other program.
Look at Past Photos
If you have photo albums, pull them out and find all you can that were taken during the holidays. Perhaps you can duplicate your photos and share memories with family members and friends.
Life continually changes, from the beginning to the end. Adjustments are necessary through the altering seasons. All along the way, it’s possible to have joy and celebrate the holidays, with some thoughtful planning.
Dr. Goutham Gosu has been practicing Audiology for the past 18 years and specializes in pediatric and adult hearing healthcare. He completed his graduate degree at Ohio University and received his doctorate in Audiology from AT Still University.