Once Again in the Holiday Zone

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As we enter the 2023 holiday zone, the joyous season preparations can be somewhat (or much) more complicated than ever before as family caregivers. So, for the next few weeks, we will be presenting you with some helpful hints to ensure a joyous Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa for you and your loved ones. 

Here are a few things to remember as you plan for your holidays: 

  1. Maintain a sense of familiarity for your loved ones with cognitive challenges. Go easy on the decorations and don’t move too much furniture to accommodate trees or other objects. Changing familiar surroundings can lead to confusion, especially for someone with memory problems, physical impairment, or other handicap. Extra cords, fragile decorations, and piles of gifts can be hazards to those with limited mobility. 
  2. With the entire holiday hubbub, your loved one could become confused and agitated. Try to limit the number of guests in your home at one time, and make sure that someone is always aware of the whereabouts of your loved one. If he or she tends to wander, there is a chance that this may happen when everyone thinks someone else is “on watch.”
  3. Ask for help! Don’t try to take on all of the burdens of caring for your loved one and preparing for the holidays. Something as simple as asking a neighbor or other relative to stay with your loved one for a few hours while you get some shopping done can make all the difference between calm and a stressed-out holiday. 
  4. Most importantly, (and my personal favorite) take time for yourself. Spend an hour in a bubble bath, read a book, do something that you enjoy, and have fun. The holidays are about fun, enjoyment and spending time together once again. Knowing that this might be a last Thanksgiving or Christmas, we can feel enormous pressure to make this time especially significant. But keeping your level of expectations realistic will make the day go smoother for you, your loved one, extended family and friends.

Now, let’s all stock up on that Eggnog and save a grog for me!

If you have any  holiday tips or hints you would like to share with your fellow caregiver, please share them in the comments section below.