The holiday season, a time of joy and togetherness, can be a source of stress and isolation for caregivers and older adults. Caregivers often juggle the demands of caregiving with holiday preparations, leading to increased stress and burnout. Older adults may experience loneliness as they navigate changing circumstances, such as the loss of loved ones or physical limitations. These challenges can be particularly pronounced during a season traditionally focused on family and social gatherings. It’s crucial to acknowledge these stressors and implement strategies to promote well-being. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the holiday season with grace and ease.
1. Start New Traditions – We put so much pressure on ourselves trying to recreate the perfect moments of Holiday’s past that we miss the wonderful new memories we could be making today. Focus on starting new traditions. Choose activities that will be enjoyable for you and your loved one. Besides aren’t the imperfect moments the things we remember and still laugh about the most!
2. Keep It Simple – Holiday decorating can be lots of fun and nothing says Christmas like trimming the tree! However, the lights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming to the older adult you are caring for and let’s face it as a caregiver who has the time. Keeping holiday decor simple and festive is key…besides do we really need trees in every room?
3. Christmas Potluck – Who says you must cook? Ask family members to bring their favorite holiday dish; this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to show off their culinary skills and bring their favorite dish. This way no one is spending all night in the kitchen preparing food that will be devoured in hours.
4. Plan Ahead – If you are planning to attend a holiday party, take a road trip to visit family, attend worship service, or all the above make a plan. If it’s a holiday party call the host/hostess and discuss any assistance you might need, from getting your loved one in and out of the car, a quiet room for your loved one to rest, or refrigeration to store special foods/medications for health needs.
If it’s a worship service talk to church staff about handicap parking and if you need extra assistance staff will help, make accommodation. If large crowds are overwhelming to your loved one; see if there is a smaller room within the church, you and your loved one can sit in and enjoy worship service. Also, if your loved one is unable to attend church, you can always arrange for a member of the pastoral staff to visit your loved one at their home, for prayer and communion. The more you can plan this will help to ease your anxiety and increase the success rate of your outing.
5. Give Yourself the Gift of Time – Don’t neglect your self-care! Plan some down time for yourself; watch a silly holiday movie, take a drive, and enjoy the holiday lights, meet up with friends in-person or virtually, attend your support group meetings or individual counseling. Be good to yourself and enjoy a little down time.
