Staying Connected During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time to celebrate and connect with our families, friends, and neighbours. The COVID-19 pandemic means that celebrations look a bit different this year, with many seniors serving organizations transitioning to virtual programming. Older Edmontonians can take part in these many festivities, no matter where they’re celebrating from.
If you're an Edmonton organization hosting holiday events/activities for Edmonton seniors, please email info@seniorscouncil.net.
CELEBRATE WITH HOLIDAY PHONE PROGRAMMING BY SENIORS’ CENTRE WITHOUT WALLS
Get in a festive mood with a phone reading of the holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’ or tickle your brain with an interactive holiday edition of ‘Name that Tune’. The folks from Alberta Seniors’ Centre Without Walls have a great selection of programming to help you celebrate the holidays this year. See the December calendar for more information and how to join.
- Monday, Dec. 21: A Christmas Carol Part I
- Tuesday, Dec. 22: A Christmas Carol Part II
- Wednesday, Dec. 23: Name that Tune Holiday Edition
- Thursday, Dec. 24: The Shepherd
NO SENIOR FORGOTTEN: HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE AND TURKEY DINNERS FOR HOMEBOUND AND ISOLATED OLDER EDMONTONIANS
Edmonton Meals on Wheels is making sure no seniors are forgotten this holiday season by delivering gifts and meals of turkey dinners to homebound and isolated older Edmontonians. If you’re a homebound senior who would like to receive a dinner and gift, simply contact Edmonton Meals on Wheels. Call 780-429-2020 or email emow@mealsonwheelsedmonton.org to get on Santa’s list.
If you want to contribute toward this effort, you can:
- Contribute a gift before the Dec. 11 deadline
- Contribute funds for the turkey drive
STOCKING STUFFERS FOR SENIORS
CELEBRATE CHANNUKAH
Jewish Seniors Citizens Centre
Channukah means ‘dedication’. This holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second centuries, during which the Jewish people rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors. Jewish Seniors Citizens Centre is celebrating the holiday with a baking show and history special. Register now!
- Dec 8, 1 p.m.: Channukah Cooking with Babbie & Zaida
- Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.: The Secret History of Channukah with Rabbi Claman
After registering for these events, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
POLAR EXPRESS COMMUNITY WALK
Strathcona Place Society
Dec. 9, 12 p.m.
Free
Celebrate the season in the great outdoors! Join a holiday walk. Two SPS staff members will accompany each group of five participants with one staff member in front and one behind to accommodate faster and slower walkers. There will be two departure times available. Walks will be socially distances and conducted in accordance with current AHS guidelines concerning outdoor activities Free disposable masks, hand sanitizers, and wipes will be readily available for the duration of the event. Call 780-433-5807 or email programs@strathconaplace.com for more information about how to participate.
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AND SING-A-LONGS
- Southwest Seniors Outreach Society: Dec. 13
Listen to a Christmas concert on YouTube! The concert link will be posted online. - Strathcona Place Society: Dec. 18
Sing along to your favourite Christmas songs while local musicians play. Call 780-433-5807 or email programs@strathconaplace.com for more information about how to participate. - "A Christmas Visit" by i Coristi Chamber Choir: Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
This festive choral performance launches Dec. 19 on the choir's YouTube channel and will be available throughout the holiday season, so you can view at your convenience.
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
Mill Woods Seniors Association
Dec. 18
$25
Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, along with live holiday entertainment. Dinner must be picked up at Mill Woods Seniors Association (2nd Floor Cafe, 2610 Hewes Way NW). Tickets will be on sale until Dec. 11. To register, go to www.mwsac.ca/cafe or call 780-496-2997 during office hours.
TURKEY DINNERS IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (WSAC)
WSAC's Frozen Meal Program is currently offering Turkey Dinners--just in time for the holidays! Visit the website for more information about how to place an order, visit the WSAC website. Free delivery is available for seniors who cannot drive or visit the centre. For seniors picking up their turkey dinners, the centre will be open Dec. 21, 22, 23, 24 (half day), 30, and 31.
BOXING DAY LUNCH
Tegler Trust, Edmonton Seniors Centre, Westend Seniors Activity Centre, ICAN, and Drive Happiness
Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
$5
Get a tasty turkey holiday lunch delivered straight to your door. Just heat it up and enjoy! Go to bit.ly/boxingdaylunch2020 to place your order before Dec. 17. There are only 100 spots available, so order soon!
WINTER WONDER FOREST
True Start Foundation & Snow Valley
Nov. 27, 2020 thru Jan. 3, 2021
Location: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road (located next to the Snow Valley Ski Hill)
$30 per vehicle
Enjoy the magic of the holidays at this 100 per cent contact free event! The beautiful Rainbow Valley Campground will be transformed into an enchanted illuminated forest for you and your family to explore from the comfort of your vehicle. Learn more and get tickets at winterwonderforest.ca.
SHUMKA'S NUTCRACKER
Shumka
For the first time ever, you can experience the magic of Shumka’s Nutcracker right at home. For just $25 per video download, you can watch the enchanting story of Clara as her Nutcracker Prince comes to life.
GET ON A FRIENDLY CALL LIST — CALL 2-1-1
Several Edmonton seniors serving organizations have started friendly caller programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to start receiving calls, dial “211” to get connected to one of these programs. During these times, a friendly voice can make all the difference.
...WANT MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS?
- This list curated by ToDoCanda includes online and socially distanced holiday events
- Check out the Explore Edmonton event calendar