Face Card Values

Spending the holidays alone and away from family can be difficult for anyone. Consider these five tips to help you and your loved ones manage separation across the miles while still making the holidays meaningful.

Tip #1: Acknowledge the situation

“It’s important to acknowledge the emotional and psychological aspects of the holidays for those who are spending them alone, ” said Meribeth Kraybill, Resident Services Manager for Park Place at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. “It can be a time when people feel lonely and depressed, especially considering that the days are short and it’s often cold.”

For many older adults, holiday travel to be with family is not viable due to financial, health or logistical reasons. Others may simply not want to make such a trip and be a burden to their families. And it’s often the case that their family is similarly unavailable to travel.

Simply being emotionally present, listening and expressing support for remote family members who are on their own can go a long way.

Tip #2: Stay in touch

Being in different places during the holidays doesn’t mean that you can’t still communicate. Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts and texting will be an option for some but certainly not all family members.

“People often forget how important the phone is, ” said Donna Shank, Resident Services Manager for Park Gables at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. “Giving someone a call more frequently during the holidays can make a huge difference. Just hearing a familiar voice can give a boost. You can even say in advance when you’re going to call, building the anticipation.”

You can also send cards and letters that can be read, re-read and even posted for others to see. Recruit children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives to reach out, too.

Tip #3: Give a gift that keeps on giving

The experience of receiving a gift can be just as important as the gift itself. If you’re going to buy a distant family member a gift, why not give a gift that keeps on giving, beyond the day they receive it? They will be reminded of your connection well beyond the holidays.

“Albums or calendars with family photos can be looked at over and over again, ” said Kraybill, “or give an electronic picture frame to which any remote family member can regularly upload and share photos.”

Magazine or coffee service subscriptions will come many times per year while a bulb or plant can be enjoyed through the year as it grows and blooms. Gifts like cookies or baked goods can be enjoyed not only by the recipient, but also shared with others around them.

• House card games
• 8 Deck Card Shoes
• Last card rules