January is the first month of the year and a time for new beginnings! And even though it was not part of the ancient Roman calendar, it was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways which symbolize endings and beginnings.
We are sure you are still recuperating from the past month’s activities, so we put together a list of 12 fun things to add to your activity calendars for January 2022 to start the new year off right!
January 4: Live Virtual Tour – The Red Beach of Rio de Janeiro
Red Beach (Praia Vermelha) is one of Rio’s smallest beaches but also one of the most scenic. Tucked inside a protective cove that keeps the waves at bay, the beach is covered in coarse sand with a slightly reddish hue. Flanked by the spires of Morro da Urca and Morro da Babilonia, Vermelha Beach offers ground-level views looking up at Sugarloaf Mountain.
With our tour guide, Neyla, we will explore the history of the neighborhood and end the tour with a magnificent view of historic Guanabara Bay.
Click HERE to sign up for our live virtual tour of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
January 8: Celebrate Elvis Presley’s Birthday
Elvis is one of the most iconic musicians of the ages! “The King of Rock & Roll” is remembered annually on his birthday on January 8. Despite many people telling him he couldn’t hold a tune, he went on to become one of the most revolutionary cultural icons of the 20th century.
Everyone loves a good party! Decor could include fake plastic records, inflatable guitars, and even a lifesize cardboard cutout of the king himself. For food, make the infamous peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches. Host a screening of a movie Elvis starred in like Jailhouse Rock or Fun in Acapulco. A Rock & Roll themed party has endless possibilities!
Click HERE to check out all the Elvis party ideas at Retro Theme Party!
January 10: Movin’ & Groovin’ Through the Ages
Join Rosaria every Monday to get Movin’ & Groovin’ to music through the ages! Classes will include a variety of dance genres including, rock & roll, jazz, Latin, hip hop, and contemporary.
This class is adaptable for all levels and is guaranteed to get you tapping your toes, enhance your coordination and balance, and help to improve your memory – all to the oldies you loved to rock out to back in the day!
Click HERE to sign up for our Movin’ & Groovin’ class!
January 10: Celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day
By mid-January, most of our various holiday decorations and Christmas trees have made their way out. If you have the post-holiday blues, this is the perfect chance for you to brighten up your space with a lovely plant that you can enjoy all year long.
Many houseplants, such as aloe vera and spider plants, are low maintenance and easy to care for. Plus they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen for us to breathe, improving the air quality in your room.
Invite your residents to make a recycled planter for their very own houseplant. These can be made from cans, plastic bottles, bird cages, old shoes – basically any vessel you can think of!
Click HERE for over 30 different ideas of recycled planters you can make with your residents!
January 12: Celebrate National Hot Tea Day with a High Tea Party
Did you know that tea has been consumed for almost 5,000 years? Originating in China, tea has grown to become the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water. This delicious blend of spices energizes, detoxifies, relaxes, and does so much more.
Use this day to celebrate this long-lasting drink by hosting a High Tea Party for your residents. Ask them to come in their best outfits. Offer a variety of teas like English Breakfast, Earl Grey, chai, peppermint, and chamomile. Serve your teas alongside platters of mini sandwiches, scones, and cookies for everyone to enjoy.
Click HERE to find tips and recipes from BBC Good Food for your own high tea!
January 15: Weekend Watch Party – Rovos Rail, Pride of Africa
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
Click HERE to sign up for our weekend watch party of Rovos Rail!
January 17: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January — on January 17 this year. King was an influential civil rights leader who is best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States.
King’s life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day. You can commemorate with your residents by watching his “I Have a Dream” speech or one of the many documentaries on his life and impact.
Click HERE to find out more ways you can celebrate with your residents, including a virtual march!
January 21: Workshop – Planning Your Fitness Goals for the New Year
In this workshop with Vickie, we will plan out our fitness goals for the year! She will provide a step-by-step process of planning your fitness goals in doable, simple, fun, and easy-to-follow steps that are created to suit you and your lifestyle, and produce the results you desire. Don’t forget your pen and paper for this one!
Click HERE to reserve your spot for this FREE workshop – spaces are limited!
January 21: Live Virtual Tour of Odaiba Island & Traditional New Year’s Foods in Japan
Accessed via the Rainbow Bridge or the futuristic Yurikamome train, Odaiba is a high-tech entertainment hub on an island in Tokyo Bay. Visitors head to the beach at Seaside Park, enjoy Mt. Fuji views from the Daikanransha Ferris wheel, and interact with robots at the Miraikan science museum.
With local tour guide, Eriko, we will explore Odaiba Island and have a picnic where we will discover traditional New Year’s foods enjoyed in Japan.
Click HERE to sign up for our live virtual tour of Odaiba Island, Japan!
January 24: Celebrate National Compliment Day
The power of a compliment is pretty remarkable: either giving or receiving one can boost your happiness and confidence — making the act a win-win. You never know when someone could use some good vibes, so spread positivity by giving someone a reason to smile!
Try writing a short note for each one of your residents complimenting something you love about them. You could also set up a writing station for your residents to write compliment cards to their favorite friends or staff members.
Just remember that compliments don’t have to be limited to just this day. Acknowledge your residents and coworkers as much as you see fit all year round!
Click HERE for more ideas for random acts of kindness!
January 28: Workshop – DIY At-Home Fitness Moves
Let’s take those fitness goals we worked on last week and put them into action with DIY moves you can do on your own at home throughout the year, with little or no equipment. In this workshop, Vickie will lead you through her favorite, most effective moves and show you the proper techniques for optimal results.
Click HERE to reserve your spot for this FREE workshop – spaces are limited!
January 29: Weekend Watch Party – A Winter’s Tale, the Journey of the Snowy Owls
Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions, breeding mostly on the tundra. They have a number of unique adaptations to their habitat and lifestyle, which are quite distinct from other extant owls. One of the largest species of owl, it is the only one with largely white plumage.
Join us on a magical, wonderous journey to discover more about mysterious symbols of wisdom.
Click HERE to sign up for our weekend watch party of A Winter’s Tale!
I hope these ideas will help you plan out an exciting January for your residents! Comment below and let us know what you are most excited about in the new year!
