Embracing the Holiday Season: Finding Joy and Connection Amidst the Blues with The Boulevard Senior Living – Wentzville

For many, the holiday season is a joyful, happy time built around togetherness, family, and friends. Still, for some, it can be very stressful and filled with overwhelming expectations, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a reminder of those who are not with us anymore, financial limitations, sadness from being separated from loved ones, and the loss of treasured traditions. 

At The Boulevard Senior Living – Wentzville, we understand celebrating during this time of year doesn’t have to be sad or overwhelming. It can be a peaceful time of reminiscing, volunteering, spending time with friends, and creating new traditions!

Some common causes of depression during the holiday season are:

• Loneliness
• Not having family nearby to celebrate with them.
• Have lost a loved one, and it is difficult for them to celebrate without them.

The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include increased sadness, poor appetite, seclusion, and increased irritability.

To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we must let them know we are here for them. We will support them if they are sad or need an ear to listen. Involving them in events and being around others may help the holiday blues not feel so blue. Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat it, we involve residents in different events or sit with them quietly to help them feel less lonely.

Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by involving residents and staff, creating traditions they can look forward to year after year!

The holiday season means different things to each of us. The holidays are about family, friends, food, and tradition. For many, the smells, tastes, and decorations bring memories flooding back. We hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.