The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to manage the expenses that come with it. For seniors living in a retirement home in Edmonton, celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to be costly. There are many low-cost ways to enjoy the season while staying connected to family, friends, and the community. At Garneau Hall Seniors Community, we believe in making the holiday season meaningful without putting a strain on your budget. Here are some simple and budget-friendly ways to make the most of the holidays this year.
Host a Low-Cost Holiday Potluck
One of the best ways to gather with friends and family during the holidays is through shared meals. Rather than taking on the responsibility of preparing an entire feast, why not host a low-cost holiday potluck at Garneau Hall? Potlucks are an easy and affordable way to celebrate, allowing everyone to contribute their favourite dish, making the meal more diverse and enjoyable.
You can plan your potluck by inviting friends, your Garneau Hall neighbours, or family members to bring a dish that’s special to them. This not only cuts down on the cost for each person, but it also allows everyone to try different holiday traditions through food. Residents at our senior community in Edmonton can take turns hosting small gatherings in our common spaces or hosting spaces, creating an inclusive and joyful atmosphere for all.
Ideas for a Festive Potluck:
- Traditional Favourites: Encourage participants to bring holiday classics such as turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.
- Cultural Dishes: Ask guests to bring a dish that reflects their cultural background or family traditions during the holidays.
- Dessert Swap: If a full meal feels too overwhelming, why not try a dessert-only potluck? Guests can bring their favourite holiday treats like cookies, cakes, or pies.
Potlucks are about more than just food; they’re an opportunity to share memories, stories, and laughter. For those who may have dietary restrictions, you can ask guests to label their dishes or share recipes ahead of time.
Free or Low-Cost Holiday Events in Edmonton
The holiday season in Edmonton offers plenty of free or low-cost activities that residents of Garneau Hall can enjoy without breaking the bank. Staying connected with the local community by attending festive events is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit while supporting local traditions. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
Holiday Light Displays
Many neighbourhoods and public spaces in Edmonton are transformed into sparkling winter wonderlands with holiday light displays. These dazzling exhibitions are usually free to explore, making them a perfect low-cost evening out for seniors. Residents at Garneau Hall can organize group outings to visit the local holiday lights, taking a stroll through these beautiful displays while enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea.
Community Caroling Groups
Carolling is a timeless holiday tradition that brings people together through music. Many communities in Edmonton host carolling events or welcome volunteer carolers to visit local homes and centres. Residents can either join a carolling group or enjoy performances brought to Garneau Hall. Carolling not only spreads holiday cheer but also offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with neighbours and celebrate the season through song.
Festive Markets and Craft Fairs
If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts or simply want to enjoy a day out, visiting a local craft fair or holiday market in Edmonton is an excellent low-cost option. These markets typically feature local artisans selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and holiday decorations. It’s a fun way to explore local talent while picking up a few small gifts or ornaments to decorate your space at Garneau Hall.
Stay Connected with Family: Budget-Friendly Ideas for Virtual Gatherings
For many seniors living in retirement homes in Edmonton, staying connected with family during the holidays is a top priority. If family members live far away or travel isn’t possible, there are many low-cost ways to maintain connections and share holiday traditions virtually.
Host a Virtual Holiday Party
With the help of technology, residents of Garneau Hall can stay connected with their loved ones through virtual holiday parties. Platforms like Zoom or Skype offer free options for video calls, where family members can join in from various locations. You can organize a virtual gift exchange, play holiday-themed games, or simply enjoy catching up over a virtual dinner.
Share a Virtual Movie Night
Another great way to stay connected with family is by hosting a virtual movie night. Services like Netflix or Amazon Prime allow you to watch movies together even if you’re in different locations. Choose a classic holiday film, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the movie while staying on a video call to share reactions and laughs.
Record and Share Holiday Greetings
If scheduling virtual events is difficult due to time zone differences or busy holiday plans, recording personalized holiday greetings can be a heartwarming alternative. Residents can record short video messages or audio clips, sharing holiday wishes, memories, or updates with family members. These messages can be easily sent through email or social media, allowing you to spread holiday cheer without spending a penny.
Cozy and Affordable Holiday Activities at Garneau Hall
During the colder months, staying indoors can be just as fun and festive with a few creative, low-cost activities. One can also attend fun local events, often that are free or at a low cost for Edmonton residents to attend. At Garneau Hall, there are several ways to stay entertained without having to spend much.
Local Events and Activities
Exploring local events during December is a great way to get into the holiday spirit without travelling far. Many cities offer a variety of festive activities, from holiday markets to parades and light displays. To find out what’s happening in Edmonton, you can visit the city’s official website or community event calendars. These sites provide a comprehensive list of all the local December events, making it easy to plan fun outings and ensure you don’t miss any seasonal celebrations close to Garneau Hall.
Book Clubs and Movie Nights
Creating a winter-themed book club or hosting holiday movie marathons is an affordable way to stay engaged with your fellow residents. Reading holiday classics or watching festive films can bring everyone together for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. Residents can take turns selecting a book or movie, or you could even vote on a seasonal favourite to share with the group.
Setting up a cozy movie night with friends can also include homemade snacks or simple treats like popcorn, cookies, or hot cider. With a warm blanket and good company, a movie night at Garneau Hall can be a perfect way to enjoy the winter evenings.
Puzzle and Game Nights
Board games, card games, and puzzles can be enjoyed by everyone and are great low-cost options for a quiet night indoors. Hosting a weekly game night or puzzle session is an excellent way to pass the time while staying social. Residents at Garneau Hall can organize game nights with friends, enjoying a variety of classic games or even learning new ones.
Celebrating the holiday season at Garneau Hall in Edmonton can be just as meaningful and enjoyable without the pressure of spending a lot. By embracing simple, budget-friendly activities and taking advantage of local events, seniors can enjoy a warm, festive, and stress-free holiday season. Whether it’s through potlucks, crafting, or staying connected with loved ones, there are countless ways to celebrate the holidays in meaningful, affordable ways. To learn more about how Garneau Hall creates a joyful community experience, or to book a tour, call (587) 813-6228 us today!