February 14th is almost upon us—are you ready? If you’re celebrating the festivities with your senior loved one, make their day by surprising them with a schedule of activities. Not sure where to begin? Here are ten suggestions to keep you festive the whole day long.
1. Make a Craft
What would Valentine’s Day be without hand-made cards? Make your own or draw inspiration from other Valentine’s Day crafts that are fun for the whole family.
2. Get in the Spirit
Deck the halls with cinnamon hearts and heart garlands. Set the mood for the day by decorating your loved one’s house.
Don’t forget to sport your favourite pink and red attire.
3. Have Fun with Festive Games
Prepare some classic games in advance with a Valentine’s Day twist. Need some inspiration? Create a themed crossword puzzle or Valentine’s Day charades. Keep it light-hearted and fun!
If homemade games aren’t really your style, consider purchasing some bingo cards and a heart-shaped stamper to still cash in on the fun while keeping it festive.
4. Treat Yourselves
Cookies and lollies and cakes, oh my! Unleash your inner sweet tooth and treat yourself to a yummy Valentine’s Day spread. Spend time together baking in the kitchen—you can decorate any dessert with candy hearts to make it a festive treat.
If you can refrain from eating the treats right away, you can also make a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner for you both and save the sweets for dessert.
5. Make It a Party
Valentine’s Day can be a lonely time for many seniors. Loneliness can be accompanied by isolation and depression. Fortunately for your loved one, they have you around to make the day less lonely. However, they may have friends whose family members live far away and can’t spend the day with them.
Invite your loved one’s friends over who might be alone on February 14th and make a party out of it. Afternoon tea or a potluck dinner party are sure to be wild successes.
Make sure you also offer to pick up and drive home anyone who may not have a driver’s licence—don’t leave anyone out of the fun.
6. Bust out the Old Photo Albums
A great way to celebrate the holiday is to take a trip down memory lane. Remind your loved one how much love they experienced throughout their life by looking back on all the memories.
This is also a great way to hear stories you’ve never heard before. Get ready for lots of laughs and maybe even a few tears, but it’s an all-around great way to spend Valentine’s Day.
7. Throw on a Chick Flick
Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like a romantic comedy. Choose one of the classics, heat up some popcorn, and just enjoy being in one another’s company.
8. Pamper Your Loved One
Spa day, anyone? Your senior loved one probably can’t pamper themselves the way they deserve to be pampered. Buy some nice candles, some chocolates, and a nice foot soak. Give them the relaxing treatment they deserve!
9. Arrive Bearing Gifts
Who doesn’t love presents? Show your loved one how much they mean to you on this special day by showering them with presents.
10. Remember, Your Time Together Is a Gift
If you and your loved one aren’t really into festivities, it’s okay. Spend some quality time together and engage in meaningful conversation. If your loved one lives alone, they’ll likely enjoy your company more than anything else. Take a break from all the Valentine’s Day hype and don’t feel the need to go all out—just be yourself and enjoy the time spent together.
