The holidays are a season of sights, sounds, and memories that stir the heart. For many individuals in long-term care, those memories run deep—laughter from a bustling kitchen, candlelight glowing on a table, the melody of a favorite song that once filled their home.
But not everyone celebrates the same way. Some individuals find joy in festive traditions, while others prefer quiet gratitude or reflection. Some may no longer practice the holidays they once cherished, while others long to reconnect with customs tied to their faith or culture.
In long-term care, the truest celebration isn’t found in one single tradition—it’s found in the freedom to choose how to celebrate, or whether to celebrate at all.
The Power of Choice: Dignity in Every Decision
Choice is at the heart of dignity. When we invite individuals to share what the holidays mean to them, we’re doing more than planning activities—we’re honoring identity.
Asking simple, open-ended questions like, “What tradition makes this time of year special for you?” or “Is there something you’d like us to include in our celebration?” helps people feel known, respected, and connected.
It might mean serving a family recipe that brings comfort. It might mean listening to a favorite hymn instead of attending a group event. Or it might simply mean honoring an individual’s wish not to participate in festivities at all.
Every response tells a story—and every story deserves space.
Celebrating Diversity and Cultural Connection
The beauty of long-term care communities lies in their diversity. When the holidays arrive, that diversity can come to life through shared traditions and cross-cultural celebration.
Consider weaving in traditions from around the world:
- Cook together: Prepare traditional meals from different backgrounds, allowing individuals to share recipes and memories.
- Decorate with meaning: Use symbols, colors, and designs that represent a variety of holidays—Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or Lunar New Year.
- Honor faith and reflection: Provide spaces for prayer or spiritual observance with items like prayer rugs, menorahs, or religious texts for those who wish to use them.
- Celebrate learning: Discuss Kwanzaa’s seven principles, light a menorah together, or invite a guest speaker to share music or storytelling from a different culture.
These moments not only celebrate diversity—they nurture unity. Every participant becomes both a learner and a teacher, discovering how traditions may differ yet all reflect love, gratitude, and hope.
Respecting Individual Preferences and Beliefs
True inclusion also means respecting those who choose not to celebrate.
A person may have personal, spiritual, or emotional reasons for abstaining from holiday activities—and that choice deserves the same care as participation.
By offering alternative, non-denominational options—such as crafting, baking, listening to seasonal (but not religious) music, or storytelling sessions—we ensure everyone feels seen and included.
It’s about saying, “You belong here, in your way.”
Whether through a shared meal, a heartfelt conversation, or a quiet afternoon of comfort, connection doesn’t depend on celebration—it depends on respect.
Empowering Through Education and Understanding
Cultural sensitivity is not instinct—it’s learned, practiced, and modeled.
Leaders play a vital role in helping teams develop awareness and empathy through education.
Training in cultural competence, person-centered care, and communication helps caregivers understand the deep significance of holidays across different faiths and traditions.
It also reminds us that small things—like language, food, music, and symbols—carry powerful emotional meaning.
Providing interpreter services when needed, partnering with spiritual leaders, or simply asking individuals how they wish to observe their traditions—all of these actions speak the same universal language: You are respected.
Fostering Cross-Cultural Exchange
When communities embrace cultural exchange, the holidays become more than a calendar event—they become a tapestry of human experience.
Invite guest performers, local choirs, or storytellers to share traditions through music and dance. Encourage individuals to teach staff or peers about their customs.
Moments like these bring warmth and understanding into the everyday. They remind everyone that celebration is not one-size-fits-all—it’s a reflection of who we are and where we come from.
Celebrating the Season, Honoring Every Voice
In the end, the holidays are about belonging.
They are about being seen for who we are, honored for what we believe, and respected for the choices that define us.
When every person in a care community feels free to express their traditions—or their quietness—with authenticity, we create something far greater than a festive season. We create connection rooted in dignity and love.
Author
Amanda Keith, MSN, RN, PHN, PhD
Healthcare Academy Clinical Content Manager
