Getting through the Holidays can be stressful even in the best of times. Gathering with family and friends to celebrate religious and non-religious traditions can create taxing situations. Caregiving for loved-ones is challenging and difficult, when you add holiday strain it can seem unmanageable. There are ways to get through the Holidays and enjoy them simultaneously by building resilience in your life. Resilience requires acceptance, gratitude and letting go of expectations which all lends to better aging, getting through life and the holidays. Accept people and situations as they are in the present moment. Let go of your expectations with others and focus on yourself. Be mindful of your own stress and that of loved-ones in your care.

Take moments to breathe, meditate and relax as needed

 

The Responsibility of Having Guests

Plan, organize and then know that things will go awry because that is life. Being flexible in your thinking is part of being a resilient thinker. I call it an “Adjust as You Go Mentality” which means you accept the moment, do what you can, and move forward. Taking care of seniors, disabled guests, and people with a diagnosis of some kind (Autism, Dietary) can involve adjusting your plans, menu, and furniture to prevent accidents, illness and make the holidays more enjoyable for all. Hiring caregivers can be an option – always vet (background check) and hire a company for your protection. Alcohol service in your home is your responsibility. Never allow underage drinking and always provide a designated driver. Don’t overserve guests because there is great exposure to liability.

Many seniors are on several medications so serve alcohol with caution. 

Set Boundaries during the Holidays & Year-round

Set boundaries and budgets. Why say yes to something you can’t or don’t want to do during the holidays. Learning to say no is a gift you give yourself and others. You’ll genuinely give of your time without expectations and feelings of obligation when it’s something you want or can do. The holidays have a way of getting out of hand sometimes.

The Holidays should be about the memories and time spent, not the money.

Holidays or not, Have Empathy for Others

Have empathy for others that might struggle during this season. Some people have outlived their loved-ones, some have just lost a loved-one and others struggle with depression year-round and it’s more extreme during the holidays. Be considerate, generous of spirit and aware of others during the holidays. Remember many families are dealing with loved-ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, PTSD and other issues that can contribute to the additional strain on the caregiver and their loved-ones.  You’ve planned and done your best for everyone to have a great time and you’ve got to have one too!

Have activities, a quiet room, and areas for someone to rest during the festivities of the holidays. Create safe spaces for your guests and enjoy yourself. 

Memories are Built in the Living of Life

Have fun, enjoy the exchange with others and be kind. Respect others and their traditions or non-traditions. Turn off the electronics unless it’s music or video. Create your family traditions and memories of your lifetime.  Living in the moment requires mindfulness, acceptance, and flexibility of the mind to move forward. Happy Holidays to all and to those that don’t celebrate holidays take what you will and enjoy!

Be present in the moments of your life.

 

 

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