Navigating the Holidays with Heart: Mindful Creative Arts Approaches for Older Adults in Grief
- Miya Adout
- Nov 27
- 3 min read
The holiday season, often envisioned as a time of joy and togetherness, can be profoundly challenging for many older adults, particularly those residing in long-term care (LTC) settings or living with life-limiting illnesses. For individuals who have experienced loss, these festive months can amplify feelings of grief, loneliness, and melancholy. Memories of loved ones or cherished traditions can make the brightest holiday displays feel dim.
As certified creative arts therapists, we recognize the unique sensitivities this season brings. It's crucial for professionals in Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and Recreational Therapy to approach holiday-themed interventions with empathy and mindfulness.
Mindful Holiday Engagement: 5 Comprehensive Tips for Therapists
When working with older adults during the holidays, especially those in grief, a sensitive and person-centered approach is paramount. Here are five tips for therapists to ensure creative arts interventions are supportive and healing:
Assess Individual Readiness & Preferences, Don't Assume: Before introducing any holiday-themed activity, take time for individual assessment. What does "the holidays" mean to this particular client? Have they recently experienced a significant loss? Do certain holiday traditions or songs bring comfort or distress? Some clients may welcome the distraction and connection, while others may find it overwhelming. Offer choices, and always respect their refusal to participate or engage with specific themes. A client who usually loves carols might find them painful this year.
Broaden the Definition of "Holiday" and "Celebration": Move beyond mainstream or commercial holiday narratives. Explore themes of winter, reflection, light, comfort, community, legacy, and hope that are universal and less tied to specific, potentially painful traditions. This could mean creating "winter wonder" art pieces rather than strictly "Christmas" ones, or focusing on songs about friendship and connection that transcend specific holidays. This inclusive approach ensures that clients of diverse backgrounds and emotional states feel acknowledged and valued.
Facilitate Legacy and Remembrance, Not Just Festivity: The holidays are often a time of heightened memory. Creative arts offer powerful tools for legacy work and remembrance. Encourage activities that help clients honor loved ones who are no longer present. This could involve creating an art piece dedicated to a cherished memory, composing a simple song about a past tradition, or compiling a "memory box" of significant symbols. These interventions validate their grief and help transform it into a meaningful tribute.
Prioritize Comfort, Calm, and Emotional Regulation: Recognize that the increased activity and stimulation of the holiday season can be overwhelming. Design sessions that prioritize calm, grounding, and opportunities for emotional regulation. This might involve gentle, familiar music for relaxation, meditative art activities like mandalas or nature-inspired imagery, or simple rhythmic movements to reduce anxiety. The goal is to create a therapeutic haven where feelings can be safely experienced and processed, rather than suppressed by forced cheer.
Educate and Collaborate with Care Teams: Share your observations and strategies with fellow care team members (nurses, social workers, spiritual care, etc.). Educate them on the potential impact of holiday themes on residents' emotional well-being. A unified approach, where all staff understand the importance of individualized support and sensitivity, can significantly enhance the overall care experience for older adults during this complex time of year.
The holiday season can be challenging, but understanding and compassion can make a profound difference. At MIYA Creative Care, we believe in honoring individual experiences and providing tailored support through the power of Music Therapy and Art Therapy, ensuring that this time of year can still hold moments of peace, connection, and gentle remembrance.
If you or your organization could benefit from a thoughtful, creative approach to care, we invite you to reach out.
