Methuen Senior Community Shares Socially Distant Holiday Traditions

Just Because The Holidays Might Look Different, Doesn’t Mean We Can’t Make New Memories

Holiday traditions hold a special place in our hearts. Whether we have been doing them since we were children, or if we just started a new one last year, traditions are something many of us look forward to as the holiday season makes its debut. And we believe there is always room for more! Although the holidays this year might look different due to social distancing guidelines put in place to keep us safe, we believe that this year can still be your best holiday season yet. And to help you do just that, the team at the Woods at Merrimack has brainstormed several new, socially distant holiday traditions for you to add to your family this year. We hope that you will enjoy these new traditions and that they bring loads of joy and happiness to your family:

Pile in the Car and Give Gifts to your Neighbors

The holiday season is all about giving to your friends, family members, and your neighbors! Order some fun gifts online (or use curbside pickup if you are in a rush) to put together some fun gift baskets for your neighbors. Things such as homemade cookies, candles, or fuzzy socks are always a good idea. Gather the family around the table with some holiday music and treats to put together and wrap the gift baskets. Then, once everything is wrapped, pile in the car with your household to randomly give the gifts to your neighbors! For a no-contact surprise, you can leave the baskets on their porches and “ding-dong ditch” as they say. Neighbors will feel so special when they open their door to a thoughtfully created basket made just for them, and you and your family will feel good giving it.

Socially Distant Book Chain Swap (Secret Santa Version)

With the extra time on our hands recently, we have had more time than ever to read books. Reading is one of our favorite things to do because it encourages learning new things, provides entertainment, and is a relaxing activity for busy minds. A fun new tradition for you and your family would be to coordinate within your neighborhood to secretly draw names from a hat and drop your favorite book of 2020 in their mailbox. Your neighbors can do the same for you, and before you know it, you will have a whole new collection of books to read over the holiday season! There is nothing better than snuggling next to a fireplace with a warm blanket and new book to read.

Go see the Holiday Lights

Maybe this one is already on your holiday traditions list, but just in case it isn’t, this is a guaranteed way to get yourself in the holiday spirit! The lights will be up soon on your neighbors’ homes and throughout your city, so take a drive and go see them. Play holiday music on your radio and grab a warm drink on the way. If you really want to jazz things up, take a dry erase board and score each home as you drive by. Then, when you reach your final destination, see which home won the contest!

Create or Start an Advent Calendar

For those who celebrate Christmas, it can be great fun to count down to Christmas with a new advent calendar. Advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes, with some containing small gifts like beauty products, cheeses, or sweet treats for each day. This is a fun way to get the whole family excited for the holidays as well as start the celebration early. Make this holiday season one that lasts much longer than just a few days! Start the countdown today by making your own extended advent calendar. We are shaping up for the best holiday season yet, and nothing can stop us. Remember that at the heart of it all, spreading kindness, joy, and love to our friends and family is what is most important. To learn more about residency or to schedule a tour of The Woods at Merrimack, contact our friendly team today.