One of the greatest benefits of moving to a senior living community is just that–built-in community. Neighbors close at hand. Making new friends. Sharing a lifetime of stories and experiencing new things together. That can be especially meaningful when the holidays roll around.

SENIOR COMMUNITIES KNOW HOW TO THROW A PARTY

Hosting holiday get-togethers for family and friends is an act of love. However, it can also be a lot of work. Especially with all of the cooking and cleaning. Senior living communities focus on carefree living, so residents can skip the hard-working preparation and simply enjoy the festivities without missing out on anything.

“Holiday activities help them create new traditions in their new home, celebrating with new neighbors,” explains Karen B., national director of life enrichment. She says this is especially uplifting for those with no close family or whose families live too far away to celebrate in person during the holidays. Community team members often share their personal traditions too, fostering a warm, family-like atmosphere.

At The Goodman Group’s managed communities, residents are at the heart of every celebration. Karen’s life enrichment teams design “an incredibly diverse calendar of activities” to capture the festive spirit and ensure even the most hesitant residents feel encouraged to join in. Activities include parties, holiday card-making, and a wide range of entertainment.

Musician-residents may share their talents by singing, playing guitar or piano, or forming bands to perform for fellow residents and team members. Outside performers, including choral groups and children from the surrounding community, also bring their energy to the celebrations with songs and skits.

Classic holiday movies like White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol are another beloved tradition. These timeless films are favorites for many residents, evoking the magic of the season year after year.

The communities also embrace residents’ diverse backgrounds by celebrating Hanukkah and other religious holidays alongside Christmas. “This gives everyone a chance to learn about different cultures, religions, and nationalities,” Karen explains. “After all, when you turn 65, your quest for knowledge and learning doesn’t stop.”

“WE’RE HOPING TO SEE YOU”

It’s never mandatory to participate, but life enrichment teams and the rest of the community’s team members go all out to make sure residents feel welcome. How? By generally spreading awareness and personally inviting each person. Karen calls that the “golden invitation.” Posters and flyers are displayed everywhere so residents know what’s coming up and when. 

And food always brings residents out to join the action. Many of our managed communities are located in areas with distinct ethnicities that are reflected in our holiday celebrations, especially the foods. For example, for Norwegians in Minnesota lefse and krumkake are traditional favorites. Our Italian residents look forward to a sweet and fluffy slice (or two) of Christmas panettone.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

To make the atmosphere even more festive, we encourage friends and family members to join in. Gatherings often include grandkids and even great-grandchildren, turning holiday activities into what Karen calls “a super-intergenerational experience.” Kids, she says, show us how to fully experience the joy and wonder of the holidays.

TAILORED EXPERIENCES

Holiday celebration extends throughout our senior living communities, although some activities may differ depending on care level. For example, in memory care, music can be especially beneficial for residents because it can help them recall “way back” memories. Sing-alongs with holiday songs learned in childhood, “Jingle Bells” is a big favorite, can help trigger those memories and the words just seem to come naturally. “It’s like muscle memory,” explains Karen.

GOING ALL-OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are a special time in communities managed by The Goodman Group, not just because of the decorations or events but because they bring people together in meaningful ways. For many residents, these celebrations create opportunities to relive cherished traditions, share stories with neighbors, and even create new memories that enrich their lives. From joyful music to delicious meals, every detail is thoughtfully designed to foster connection, belonging, and joy.

“We do it because we value and cherish the fact that each resident chose The Goodman Group managed communities to be home,” Karen explains. “During the holidays and every day, we promote as much as possible a home-like atmosphere and home-like experiences.”