Q. I’m a daughter-in-law, and this Christmas, my husband and I will be hosting his elderly parents at our home. While I’m looking forward to spending time with them and creating cherished memories, I’m also concerned about making the holidays as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for them.
My in-laws are both in their late 70s, and I want to ensure that their stay is filled with warmth, love, and ease. I’m aware that the holiday season can sometimes be stressful for elderly family members, so I’m seeking wisdom on how to make their visit more pleasant. My main concerns revolve around accommodations, dietary needs, and festive activities.
Thank you in advance for your guidance as I seek to create a hospitable environment that will show my in-laws that they are truly cherished members of our family.
A. I appreciate your heartfelt letter and your commitment to making this Christmas a memorable and comfortable one for your elderly in-laws. Many of us forget just how stressful the holidays can be for our elderly family members. Your thoughtfulness and initiative are commendable. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind as you create a warm and welcoming environment for your in-laws.
Create a welcoming guest room by ensuring that the room where your in-laws will be staying is well-prepared. Clear pathways of any clutter and remove unnecessary furniture or decor that can pose a tripping hazard. It’s a great idea to have a comfortable chair with armrests available in the room for your in-laws to use with ease. Consider adding safety features, such as handrails in the bathroom, and night lights in the guest bedroom, hallway, and bathroom. It might be a good idea to have a shower chair available for them to use. Provide extra blankets and pillows for added comfort. You may also want to provide them with a pair of non-slip slippers and cozy bathrobes to use during their stay.
Another suggestion is to have a candid conversation with your in-laws prior to their visit about their dietary preferences and restrictions. This will help you as you plan meals and special treats. Plan to have healthy snacks available that your in-laws can grab when they’re feeling hungry. Leave snacks out on the counter or create a basket of special snacks and water bottles and place them in the guest room. Consider smaller, more frequent meals if your in-laws have difficulty with larger portions.
Regarding festive activities, start by taking your in-laws’ interests and energy levels into consideration. What holiday traditions are meaningful to them? What limitations do they face? Unless you know for sure that your in-laws are up for anything at any time, it’s best to have a few festive activities in mind that can be flexible. Board games, holiday movies, or decorating cookies are easy activities that can be done in the comfort of your home. If everyone is feeling cabin fever, a drive to see holiday lights or a short outing to a coffee shop for a holiday beverage can be a great way to spend time together.
Remember that open communication is key. Be willing to ask your in-laws how you can ensure that they are most comfortable while they are visiting. Your willingness to accommodate their needs and preferences will likely mean the world to them.
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