The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone. With travel, family, social engagements, house guests, shopping and a million other to-dos, the holidays can be overwhelming for many. But for seniors, the holidays can bring additional stress from multiple travel plans, an uprooted routine and even seasonal depression. Try these helpful tips to help keep holiday stress to a minimum for your senior loved one.

We know visiting family and friends is always on the to-do list during the holiday season, but traveling and meeting with people all day can be physically and mentally exhausting. Make sure to schedule ample rest time throughout and allow for plenty of transportation time in between visits so that there’s no rushing around to see last-minute guests.

If your senior parent or friend is used to waking up at a certain time, eating at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time, make sure to respect those schedules. Staying up later to accommodate family visits or having to eat later in the evening because of a difference in meal times can be difficult and stressful for a senior to acclimate to, so make sure you know beforehand what their schedule is like.

Many seniors are on fixed incomes, so keeping costs low can help ease any financial stress associated with the holidays. Travel, gifts and food can all start to take their toll on the checkbook, so make sure to create a realistic budget and stick to it.

Along with the fun and happy aspects of holidays comes sadness for many seniors — especially those who’ve lost loved ones. Be sure to not isolate yourself or your elderly companion. There are always churches and other civic organizations that offer holiday parties and gatherings, or volunteering at a local organization to stay social during the holidays. Have a great time over the holidays. You are always welcome at the Senior Center. Merry Christmas.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Center Closed

Tuesday: Merry Christmas, Center Closed

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo and open chess 1 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Dec. 10, three tables

1st Jaynard Johnson, 2nd Bud Higgins, 3rd Mary Johnsen, 4th Russ Vaale, 5th Jim Fisher

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Dec. 11, four tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd Dick Hansen, 2nd Larry Crowe; 3rd Ray Schmidt, 3rdGail Schmidt; 4th John Allen, 4th Jaynard Johnson

Tuesday “500”

Dec. 11, four tables

1st Dorothy Stern, 2nd Willard Ballantyne, 3rd Eloise Willianette, 4th Wayne Chilson

Pinochle

Loretta Nelson, Jaynard Johnson

Friday Bridge

Dec. 14, two tables

1st Loretta Nelson, 2nd Ella Rouhoff, 3rd Mary Johnsen, 4th Lois Johnson, 5th John Allen

Weekly Cribbage

Dec. 12, 3.5 tables

1st Jaynard Johnson, 2nd Mabel Vaale, 3rd Madelon Collette, 4th John Karnes

Weekly “500”

Dec. 14, four tables

1st Eddie Hall, 2nd Eloise Williamette, 3rd John Karnes, 4th Lois Anderson

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Pork steak

Thursday: BBQ beef

Friday: Spaghetti meat sauce