Besides holiday parties in the nursing homes right around Christmas time, there are several other activities that <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >assisted living</a> centers have in store.

Local And Community Plays
Besides the local theater, stage house or ballet, affordable plays and performances done by elementary schools, junior highs and high schools are just as entertaining, more affordable and often times in need of more attendees.

Christmas Light Displays
An affordable and beautiful activity for seniors is taking in the sites from the comfort and mobility of an assisted living bus or van.

Decorating Holiday Cookies
Decorating holiday cookies is an affordable and fun way-as well as delicious way to celebrate the holidays. Decorated holiday cookies can be given to their family members or last as dessert throughout the week.

Knitting, Scrapbooking, Ornament Making Classes
Gather anyone who is interested in learning how to make a gift from the heart for their loved ones in the activity area and have an “expert” guest come and demonstrate making scrap books, ornaments or other crafty projects like knitted scarves, hats or potholders for family gifts.

Sleigh Ride
More of a splurge say than other outings or activities-  a sleigh ride is a fun, festive thrilling activity that is still okay for sedentary individuals. Nothing says winter holiday like a sleigh ride.

Nativity Event
For your religious residents, making plans to attend a church nativity performance or other choir concert may be a very popular activity that more than your religious residents will treasure.

Christmas Tree Decorating Party
Once everyone has made an ornament, the next best thing to do is to have a Christmas tree decorating party to show them all off. Make it a social and festive event complete with lights, eggnog and music.

Candy Cane, Holiday Cake Tours
There are several different companies around town that offer free tours of their facilities- be it candy cane factories to holiday card printing presses. See what factories are in your area and plan for an exciting and interesting outing.

Even during these hard economic times, there are several things assisted living facilities can do to make the season more festive. From crafts and parties in house to free events out about town, there is no reason any assisted living calendars shouldn’t be filled with holiday themed events.