10 Traditional Inpatient Rehab Christmas Activities

Although many do not think about spending Christmas in a rehab facility, it is something that does happen. If you happen to still be in treatment during the Christmas season, which many people are, you may be encouraged to spend Christmas at the facility. Treatment facilities strongly discourage leaving the facility for the holidays due to the temptation to relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse exposure to triggers, which is high around Christmas, will cause a relapse. The doctors and staff in residential treatment programs often try to make Christmas in an inpatient facility as nice as possible.

1. A Christmas Tree

Inpatient rehabs usually put up a Christmas tree during the holidays.

Despite the recent issues with religious connotations, most inpatient facilities will put up a traditional Christmas tree. Some will even accommodate other religions with a menorah or other religious accommodations.

2. Making Christmas Decorations

One of the pre-Christmas activities often seen in inpatient rehab is making Christmas decorations. It is both fun, decorative, and therapeutic for patients to create their own decorations and put them up. Although most of the clients are not children, there is something about seeing your work displayed that gives people a sense of pride or accomplishment.

3. Making Presents

Many rehabs ask their patients to make presents for each other and their loved ones. Many people in rehab appreciate the ability to give back to each other and to make things for their family.

4. Making Christmas Cards

Handwritten Christmas cards are a rehab tradition in many rehab facilities. They make the cards for their loved ones and for each other. These cards are sent or given to their recipients on family days or through the mail on Christmas.

5. Writing Letters Home

A classic tradition in any rehab is to write letters to loved ones, particularly during the holiday season. These letters contain any number of things including news about rehab or holiday wishes.

6. Christmas Stories or Pageants

Although an outdated practice, some rehabs still put on plays or Christmas pageants for each other and sometimes for family. This practice is gradually being phased out.

7. Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners

A traditional holiday dinner is served during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. These dinners double as a group get together and a meal.

8. Holiday Baking

Some rehabs engage in holiday baking. They bake cookies and make traditional holiday treats for the staff and other patients. Baking is also a therapeutic practice for many.

9. Traditional Christmas Parties

Most rehab facilities engage in at least one traditional holiday party. This part serves as a distraction and a get together for the patients and staff. Of course these parties do not contain alcohol.

10. Counseling

Some rehabs have more counseling sessions around the holidays to combat holiday loneliness and depression. Many rehabs try to avoid the holiday blues all together by keeping their residents busy with holiday activities. For more information about inpatient rehab around the holidays give us a call at 800-430-1407Who Answers?.