Merry Christmas!

As the soft glow of Christmas lights shines through Brooklyn's brownstones, the quiet streets fill with the scent of holiday treats at the local café. However, the holiday season, while full of joy, can also highlight feelings of isolation for many senior citizens. As such, companionship and the sharing of simple holiday moments become more important than ever. Families and caregivers have a unique opportunity to create warm and loving experiences for older adults that will help them feel included, appreciated, and valued during the holidays. Angel Care Inc. outlined below some meaningful places to visit in Brooklyn, and some creative ideas to give emotional warmth to the seniors in your life, both in their homes and in public spaces during the holiday season. Places Where Seniors Can Experience Christmas in Brooklyn 1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Winter Walks In December, the garden provides a serene escape, even though the trees may be leafless, the walkways continue to be beautiful and easily navigable for seniors. Seniors who appreciate the beauty of nature can take leisurely strolls along the pathways, sit on benches and enjoy the cool winter air. Accessibility Summary Location Wheelchair Accessibility Rest Rooms Indoor Spaces Primary Paths Yes Many Glasshouse Conservatory Japanese Hill Partial Few No Visitor Center Yes Yes Yes 2. Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tour The Dyker Heights neighborhood is known for the elaborate holiday decorations in the area. Families can plan a quick evening tour around the neighborhood or a slower stroll through the quiet streets early in the morning. Many families report that viewing the lights stimulates happy holiday memories and lifts spirits. Suggested Tips: Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds Plan to spend no more than 45 to 60 minutes visiting Bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea for a warmer experience 3. Brooklyn Public Library - Holiday Events There are several libraries in Brooklyn that sponsor low-key holiday events including; Readings, Music Sessions, and Crafting Hours specifically designed for seniors. These events allow seniors to participate in social settings without the overwhelming aspects of larger groups. Some examples of common activities include: Story Circle - Story Time with seniors where they read and tell each other stories Screen Classic Holiday Films Hold Simple Craft Workshops (make cards or ornaments) Host Soft Holiday Music Mini-Concerts 4. Local Churches and Community Chapels Many of Brooklyn's churches will hold early Christmas Services with quiet music, candles, and peaceful prayers. Senior citizens who cherish tradition find comfort and a strong sense of belonging in attending these events. Some examples of welcoming locations include: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica (Bay Ridge) Plymouth Church (Brooklyn Heights) St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church (Heights/Boerum Hill) Most of these churches have accessible seating areas and provide supportive communities for their visitors. Why Companion Support Is Important This Christmas Season Although the holiday decorations and events add to the brightness of the season, what seniors want most is to have someone with them. Christmas highlights how important it is to provide emotional support, quiet conversations and just being close to the people seniors love. Here are the reasons why companion support is so important: Holiday loneliness is very common among older adults and providing companionship can alleviate this feeling. Companion support helps maintain mental health and reduces anxiety. Companion support makes seniors feel part of something and a sense of belonging is particularly important for seniors who have limited mobility. Companion support encourages seniors to engage in small, fun activities. Companion support creates a bond between family members and creates memories and traditions. A single visit, a warm cup of tea or watching a favorite holiday song together can mean more than any gift to seniors. Ways To Create A Warm And Welcoming Environment For Seniors Caregivers and family members can do a variety of things to help seniors feel involved in the holiday season. Some of the ways to create a warm environment include: Preparation of a Small Christmas Breakfast Bringing out senior's favorite decorations from years gone by Reading holiday letters or stories together Creating a Memory Box using photos from the past Watching a classic holiday movie such as "It's A Wonderful Life" Lighting an LED Candle to create a calming atmosphere for the evenings Giving seniors a warm scarf or blanket as a sign of affection Spending just 20 to 30 minutes giving seniors your undivided attention can make their day more enjoyable. A Christmas of Connection Christmas in Brooklyn presents endless opportunities for older adults to enjoy the holiday season, however, the best present given to seniors is the gift of warmth. This includes emotional warmth, patient companionship and the knowledge that they are being cared for. Angel Care Home Care Agency, Inc. helps families create warmth and connections during the holiday season. Our caregivers assist with planning holiday activities, providing companionship and assisting with daily routines that promote a safe and happy environment for seniors. If you require assistance in planning holiday activities or would like to hire compassionate caregivers for your loved ones, we are here to help make the holiday season brighter for everyone.