As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves grappling with what mental health professionals often call the “holiday blues.”
While the period is often portrayed as joyful and festive, the pressure to celebrate, socialize and spend can lead to feelings of stress, loneliness or sadness. Shorter days, colder weather and changes in routine can intensify these emotions, particularly for seniors who may feel isolated or be coping with the loss of loved ones.
Experts emphasize that experiencing the holiday blues is common and does not mean someone is alone in their struggles.
Community organizations are working to address these challenges by creating opportunities for connection and engagement. Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), for example, offers a variety of daily events designed specifically for seniors, providing spaces to socialize, participate in activities and build meaningful relationships. From group programs to recreational and educational gatherings, these events help combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging during the holidays and throughout the year.
Mental health advocates stress that staying connected, whether through community programs like ASI’s or by reaching out to friends and family, can make a significant difference in navigating the emotional ups and downs of the season.
Match campaign
We depend on donations as part of our funding to provide our programs and 20,000 lunches a year, including the home-bound using Meals on Wheels. Our other sources of funding are not enough.
You can make a difference. An ASI supporter will donate up to $5,000 if matched between now and Dec. 31. Your donation of $10 becomes $20, $20 becomes $40, $50 becomes $100, or whatever amount you give will be doubled in value.
You can donate to the matching campaign in multiple ways:
• Call ASI at (970) 264-2167 or stop in and use your credit card, saying it’s for the matching campaign. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the Ross Aragon Community Center (the riverside entrance at the portico).
• You can send a check to ASI, P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Match” on the memo line.
• Or, use this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ArchuletaSeniors.
Holiday seniors’ lunch party
Monday, Dec. 22, will be a special seniors’ lunch with turkey and all the trimmings, music and games from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make your lunch reservation ahead of time or before 9 a.m. that morning.
Holiday closures
ASI will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2, 2026. No programs or lunch service will be provided on those days.
Pagosa Puzzle Palooza
You’re invited to enter the Pagosa Puzzle Palooza, a team jigsaw puzzle contest benefiting ASI and our local senior meal programs.
It will be held on Jan. 24, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center (Ross Aragon Community Center), 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Check-in will be at noon, competition will be from 1 to 4 p.m., and awards will be from 4 to 5 p.m.
The team (two to four people) entry fee is $40 per team.
Forms are available at givebutter.com/PagosaPuzzlePalooza26, or stop in the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. You can return the forms by email or drop off at the office.
Get your friends, families, businesses, organizations, churches and community groups to form a team and compete in Pagosa’s first local puzzle competition. Teams will race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle — but speed isn’t the only way to win.
Each team will also rally support by gathering sponsorships and donations, with every dollar raised going directly to support our Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels Program that nourishes local elders year-round.
Create an original team name, and complete and submit your team registration form. Fundraise — reach out to friends, family or community members to sponsor your team with a donation of support.
Want to join but don’t have a team? Call the ASI office to leave your name and phone number and ASI will see if there are other participants who may want to create a team.
Compete to see which team can raise the most for our seniors. Puzzle it out on Jan. 24. Race against the clock to finish your 500-piece puzzle challenge first in three hours. Win prizes and bragging rights. Celebrate your victory knowing you’ve made a difference.
Think fast, have fun and piece together something amazing for our community. Ready to take on the challenge? Register your team or become a sponsor and make a donation toward your favorite team’s fundraising goal. Let’s put the pieces together for a great cause.
Stretching and mobility weekly class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center.
The stretching and mobility classes for adults age 55 or better are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair.
Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge
The game of bridge is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Tai chi chih
There will be no tai chi classes in December. It will resume Jan. 8, 2026.
Tai chi chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this meditative practice. The 19 movements and one pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy that is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The Senior Center will host bingo once in December on Dec. 19 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Participation is free, and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required; just show up.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family and community at the Silver Fox’s Den in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
Community Cafe menu
Call before 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, Dec. 18 — Tuna salad on greens, potato salad, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Friday, Dec. 19 — Pork tortilla soup with cotija cheese, tortilla strips, garden salad, fruit, brownie and milk.
Monday, Dec. 22 — Christmas Party. Turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, stuffing, garden salad, fruit, chocolate pudding and milk.
Tuesday, Dec. 23 — Ham steak with cherry sauce, scalloped potatoes, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt and milk.
Wednesday, Dec. 24 — Closed.
Thursday, Dec. 25 — Closed.
Friday, Dec. 26 — Closed.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for how to sign up for the program.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Mountain Express Transit senior paratransit services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted paratransit services, free bus rides and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete.
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Mountain Express Transit (MET) to schedule a ride with its paratransit service.
Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
Medicare assistance by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has positions open. Terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Please stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.
For more information about ASI, please visit www.psseniors.org.
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