Christmas celebrations at a distance

Christmas is a time for family, but it could look very different for many of us this year. Due to the pandemic, people are planning smaller get togethers with their households or support bubbles.

This could mean many elderly relatives who live far away won’t be able to visit this year.

We’ve come up with some ideas of how you can keep your elderly loved ones and friends involved with the celebrations from a distance.

Send video messages

While a phone call is pleasant for an elderly person to receive, seeing you in person on a video message or face time call is just that extra bit special.

If your elderly friend or loved one hasn’t given Facetime, Skype or Zoom a chance yet, now is the time to get them set up with a phone or tablet. Then you can share video messages or face-to-face calls in the run up to and on the big day.

Although you might be miles apart, still being able to take part, even if in a virtual sense, is a great way to reduce social isolation. You can read more about the benefits of social media and how it can help the elderly here.

Send Christmas cards and letters

We may be miles apart, but we can still send cards and letters. We predict a huge rise in Christmas cards and notes being sent this year.

You could send a Christmas card and letter full of all the latest news and goings on in yours and your family’s lives. Not only will they enjoy having something to read and treasure, they can then put pen to paper themselves and send a response.

Many elderly people enjoy receiving post and having something to look forward to reading, so you could continue writing to one another long into the New Year.

Care packages

Gifts for your loved-one are always a nice way to show you care – why not send a photo album of all the best memories you’ve shared together or put together a care package of essential items they might need during the cold weather. We’ve put together a list of items you could include here.

Make sure they have someone to see on Christmas Day

If you’re not able to visit your elderly relative or friend during the Christmas period, it’s important to make sure you contact them regularly via telephone or social media and if possible, arrange for neighbours, friends, carers or other family members to pop and see them, if only at a distance through a window.