For aging adults, holidays bring fond memories, old traditions, new experiences and often, stress. With so much going on, it's easy for all of us to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. Whether your plans involve celebrating with friends and family, taking a trip, or staying home for some quiet time, there are several ways you can make the most of your holiday.

• Reflect and celebrate

Traditions warm our hearts and revive beautiful memories. Holidays are a great time to share these recollections with loved ones. Especially for those living with memory issues, celebrating traditions can bring back moments of joy. Prestige Care's award-winning Expressions memory care program stimulates fond holiday memories by incorporating familiar items into residents' routines, which helps provide a comforting sense of home.

• Create new memories

Exploring new activities is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and ensure that you've got plenty of fond memories to think back on throughout the year. Many assisted living communities host holiday activities and celebrations for residents and their families.

At Prestige Care's Legends Park Assisted Living Community, residents get involved with the greater community by attending the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Coeur d'Alene and participating in the tree lighting ceremony. Families and residents also gather at Prestige for a Christmas party to celebrate the season. Events like these create a warm and festive atmosphere, and while they may not offer the nostalgia of past traditions, they give our residents new ways to express their holiday spirit.

• Make time to plan

Planning ahead reduces inevitable holiday stress. If you plan to travel for the holidays, coordinate transportation, lodging and other key details with your family. Having these seemingly simple logistics settled well in advance will help everyone focus on the special time, celebrating once you're all together. If they're not planning to be with family, many residents enjoy celebrating the holiday season with their senior living family of friends, caregivers and staff, creating great opportunities to make holiday memories.

Holidays are a time to relax and reflect on the good things in life with those around us, so don't forget these helpful reminders during this special season. With some savvy, you'll make this year's festivities another cherished memory.

Mary Beth Hassel is executive director at Legends Park Assisted Living in Coeur d'Alene, which offers compassionate, award-wining assisted living care and health services. She can be reached at (208) 666-9900.