#Middlebury #SeniorNewsLine #holidays
By MATILDA CHARLES
Are you already dreading the holidays? If you are, you’re not alone. Many seniors feel the pressures of lack of money at this time of year, or the even bigger burden of loneliness because family has moved away and friends have passed away.
While there are no fixes for these, there are some steps you can take to feel better and maybe enjoy the holidays.
- Grab the newspaper, a piece of paper and a pen. Make a list of all the free events in your area and plan to attend at least some of them.
- Call the volunteer services at the hospital and sign up to work certain holidays so that employees can take a day off. You could staff the front desk, push the magazine and book cart or deliver packages to patients.
- Check senior centers to see what events they might be hosting. Ask if they’re joining with the community children’s fund and will be wrapping presents. If they’re planning a bus trip to a big city to see plays or do sightseeing, chances are the costs will be affordable at group pricing.
- Will any of the local churches be hosting free holiday dinners? Consider going. Call to ask if they need help setting up beforehand.
- Check out a tall stack of books from the library for your at-home days. You might discover a new author you like. While you’re at the library, offer to sign up for book shelving if others aren’t available on their regular schedule.
While nothing can take the place of having family and friends with you over the holidays, alternating busy days with relaxing ones at home can help make the holidays less stressful.
(c) 2017 King Features Synd. Inc.
