Before we celebrate, let’s review what we talked about on our Get with the plan page:
You have defined what is important.
You went through all of our questions that help you decide which traditions are worth keeping for you and for the loved one in your care. Your celebration doesn’t need to look like past years. Choose a smaller dinner or fewer decorations. It can still be meaningful.
You made your lists.
Your menu is planned and you know what you are making. You know how everything is supposed to go and who is getting it all done. (If you still need to find some easy recipes for your celebration, check out our Let’s Get Cooking page.)
You have asked for help from family and friends.
Your family has heard why things have to change this year. Make sure everyone understands what their role is for your celebrations: Uncle Ed is bringing the dessert. Aunt Mary is sitting with mom while I run errands.
You know you need to be flexible.
Anything can happen to change your plans. The important things to remember is you are spending time with your family, you are thanking God for your blessings, and you want to make the most of your 2025 celebrations. If you can keep that in mind, everything else will be a piece of pumpkin pie.
You made it to the big day! Now what?
A few more quick tips to help you enjoy your day:
Schedule moments of rest.
Even a few minutes to rest between activities will allow you to enjoy the festivities without getting depleted. You want to enjoy this time and exhaustion will not be helpful here.
Create new traditions.
Sometimes it is the most unlikely places where we find a new tradition. Maybe you provide goodies for hospital/nursing home staff. Or you start a family caroling event at home. The possibilities are endless.
Give yourself grace.
Some moments may feel beautiful and others stressful. Allow room for both grief and joy—and be thankful to God with either one.
Involve your loved one in simple ways.
This will vary greatly depending on who you are caring for and what their abilities are. A few suggestions: Hang a meaningful ornament. Listen to music. Watch a seasonal movie. Play a family game.
Stay connected.
Maybe you can’t be with family this year. That’s ok too. Make group calls or texts. Take pictures to share later.
Celebrate what you are already doing.
Take a moment to be thankful for the opportunity to be a family caregiver. You are doing amazing, compassionate acts every day. Celebrate those victories!
FAQs
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Keeping your routines as consistent as possible, limiting noise, and preparing guests in advance will help create a calmer holiday experience. You may have to retreat to a quiet space or go home if the problem persists. Communicate boundaries with your family before the holiday if you have a special concern.
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That is a good question any time of year! You may hate the word, but you need a budget. Your basic needs come first (home, basic food, medicines, etc.). Everything after that gets its share so long as the money holds out. Maybe this is the year everyone gets a homemade gift if Harry & David gift baskets are too expensive. And maybe you make one Christmas cookie instead of a platter of choices. Determine what is a priority, write out your budget, and stick to it.
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This falls under my preplanning category. Make sure holiday decor, presents, etc. don’t get in the way of your loved one. Make sure that guests understand the safety protocols you have in your home. If you and your loved ones are the guests in someone else’s home, I recommend early communication. Let them know what is necessary for your loved one’s safety (ground floor room, no rugs, etc.). IF they cannot accommodate you, consider a hotel or staying home. Sometimes there are tough choices to be made. Remember that as caregiver, you are your loved one’s advocate. Be reasonable, but be firm.
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Early and clear communication is key. Hopefully your family is just as interested in a safe holiday experience for your loved one, but there are times when people don’t understand your needs. Pray about your conversation, plan the key points that are nonnegotiable, and be willing to quit your plan if people don’t follow the rules. “No smoking around the oxygen” is something everyone should be able to handle, right? Hope so.