By Mary Cordova
Celebrating the Holidays with Loved Ones Living with Alzheimer’s
The holiday season is a special time to connect with family, share traditions, and create memories. However, when a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of memory loss, holiday celebrations can bring unexpected challenges. It’s important to adapt our celebrations to ensure they feel included, comfortable, and joyful—while minimizing stress or anxiety.
A Personal Lesson: Adjusting Holiday Conversations
Recently, I was chatting with my father-in-law, who lives with us and is 88 years old. He has Alzheimer’s, and as we talked about Christmas and holiday plans, I noticed him becoming increasingly anxious. He started asking questions like:
- “How many people are coming?”
- “How much per plate?”
- “Do I need to buy a gift for everyone?”
It became clear that his mind was going back to a time when he was responsible for hosting family gatherings, and the pressure of those memories overwhelmed him. Despite my reassurances—reminding him he only needed to buy gifts for his two grandchildren—he remained preoccupied, asking repeatedly why so many people would be coming.
This interaction taught me a valuable lesson: What brings joy to some can bring anxiety to others, especially those living with memory loss. As a result, my family decided to avoid discussing specific holiday details that could trigger stress for my father-in-law.
Minimizing Holiday Overwhelm for Seniors with Memory Loss
Conversations and events that feel ordinary to us may overwhelm someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. For many seniors with memory loss, large gatherings, noise, or even planning conversations can be too much to handle. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your loved one stays comfortable and enjoys the holiday season:
6 Tips for Celebrating the Holidays with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
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Simplify Conversations
Avoid discussing overwhelming topics, like the size of the gathering, travel plans, or detailed logistics. Stick to light topics and positive memories. For instance, ask your loved one to share a favorite holiday tradition from their past—it’s a great way to engage them without causing stress. -
Create a Quiet Space
If your holiday celebration involves a large group, set up a quiet room or space where your loved one can take a break if needed. Sometimes, just having a place to unwind can make all the difference. -
Limit Overstimulation
Bright lights, loud music, and multiple conversations can be overstimulating. Keep decorations simple and try to maintain a calm atmosphere. If your loved one is sensitive to noise, play soft music or consider smaller, more intimate gatherings. -
Involve Them in Simple Tasks
Participating in familiar activities can help your loved one feel engaged and valued. Ask them to assist with simple tasks like folding napkins, hanging ornaments, or wrapping gifts. It’s not about the outcome but the sense of purpose it brings. -
Honor Their Comfort Zone
Be mindful of how your loved one is feeling. If they become overwhelmed, it’s okay to leave the gathering early or skip certain parts of the celebration. What matters most is that they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. -
Celebrate in Meaningful Ways
Focus on traditions that your loved one enjoys and that bring them joy. Whether it’s reading a favorite holiday story or baking cookies together, simple moments can create lasting memories without the pressure of large gatherings.
Remember: It’s About Their Joy Too
While the holidays are often associated with joy and celebration, it’s essential to remember that what brings us joy might not bring the same feelings to someone living with memory loss. As caregivers and family members, we may need to adjust our expectations and plans to ensure that our loved one experiences the holidays in a way that feels meaningful and enjoyable for them.
At the end of the day, the greatest gift we can offer is patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Cherishing these moments with your loved ones—no matter how small—creates beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
If you need support or guidance on how to make the holidays more enjoyable for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reach out to Concierge Care Advisors. We can help you navigate caregiving challenges and find the right resources to support your family through every season.
📞 Call us at 855-444-7364 or Contact Us Here to speak with a Senior Care Advisor. We’re here to help you celebrate the holidays with peace of mind and compassion.
