The Holidays are quickly approaching. It’s time to make a gift list. When choosing a gift for your parents or grandparents, put some extra thought into it. Gift giving can be a satisfying and meaningful experience when it is done with generosity, joy, sincerity, and thoughtfulness.

Talk to your parents before selecting their gift. They may have a suggestion. Although, many are too polite to tell you what they want. Resist buying more flannel nightgowns, PJs, or wool sweaters. Forget the trinkets, most seniors are trying to downsize.

You are not going to change their lifestyle by giving them gifts they will never learn how to use. This type of giving frustrates the giver and receiver. Examples: trying to convince parents to use a cellphone, iPod, VCR or other up-to-date electronics. Most seniors are set in their ways and refuse to accept change. An elderly man I know listens to the radio every day. He enjoys the talk shows and baseball games. His radio is bound together with black electrical tape. His son bought him a new radio. He made him take it back to the store. His logic was, “I’m too old for a new radio”.

I have some gift giving ideas. My list is probably more expensive than what you intend to spend. Remember, you can’t put a price on a gift for those you love. You are fortunate to still have them with you!

PRACTICAL GIFTS:

• Pay for an oil fill
• Comforter set
• Pay Decembers utility bills
• Food store certificate
• Fleece lined boots
• Car wash coupons
• Paint/Wallpaper a room
• Prepaid gas card
• Electric Blanket
• Prepaid visa card
• Weekend get-away
• Salon/Barber certificates
• Lounge chair
• Prepay pharmacy

Many elderly will be “home alone” for the holidays. Make time to visit with them. Invite them to dinner. Take them to visit their friends and family. This is a sad time and stressful for most elderly. Growing old gracefully is not easy. Coping with loss of loved ones, especially during the holiday season, is what is most difficult. You can make a difference.

Dolores Casey Bergeron is a Warwick resident