The holiday season is a time for joy, cherished traditions, and family gatherings. For caregivers, however, it can also bring added demands and heightened expectations, making it a more complex and sometimes overwhelming time. More than 40% of caregivers for seniors report increased holiday stress due to the demands and expectations of the season.
If you are an in-home caregiver for the elderly, the pressure to give the best holiday experience sometimes overwhelms you and leaves you exhausted. You must remember that caring for yourself is as important as caring for your loved ones. Implementing a few strategic tips can help you enjoy and get through this busy season.
In this guide, we’ll cover 11 practical strategies for managing holiday demands and rediscovering joy in the season. From simplifying traditions to creating new ones, it provides some much-needed action tips on enjoying the holiday season without losing your sanity.
The holidays can be a beautiful time of the year, but to most caregivers, they are often extremely stressful. With a family reunion, gift purchase, and holiday preparations all taking place simultaneously, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a look at some common holiday stress triggers that in-home caregivers for the elderly may face and learn how to recognize them before they become overwhelming.
1. Never Too Late to Seek Help
Even in-home caregivers for the elderly require much care when the holidays come around. This is one time of year when you will feel as if you have to be in all places at once and do everything. But the thing is, it’s okay to ask for help.
For example, hire a cleaning service before guests arrive, find a personal assistant to help manage errands, or even ask a friend to help you string up lights and holiday decorations. These small things lighten your load and add much-needed joy to your seasons.
If you are needing a lot of rest, make plans for respite care. This is temporary relief from your responsibilities of providing care in non-medical senior care or hiring senior caregiving services to come to your home. Even a couple of hours of focused time for yourself can reenergize you and give you the ability to push through the holiday season with renewed vigor.
2. Focus on what matters the most
Let’s talk about holiday expectations. The idea of a ‘perfect’ holiday can easily turn into a source of stress rather than enjoyment. Take a step back and consider what makes this season special for you and your loved ones.
Is it spending time together? Sharing laughs over a meal? Continuing family traditions? Focus on those things. You may not be able to do everything this year but concentrate on what brings you and your family joy.
So, while baking cookies is a precious tradition but seems too overwhelming, simplify it. You can bake one or two batches instead of a dozen or gather family members for the cookie-decorating night instead of doing it alone. It’s all about having those nice moments without overextending yourself.
3. Simplify Your Holiday Activities
Do not do everything! If you do not want to make an effort, the holiday season does not require you to create a winter wonderland. Sometimes, less is more.
Downsize your decorations. Instead of decorating every tree, light, and ornament, pick the most iconic pieces that remind you of the holidays. You can even ask a friend to decorate with you; this usually is a fun bonding time rather than an obligation.
However, you can attend some of the events themselves. Focus only on what is important to you and your family. If attending large gatherings is difficult, consider low-key options, like drive-through light displays or cozy holiday movie nights at home.
Focusing on the quality of your work rather than the amount accomplished will create more meaningful experiences and reduce some of the stress that can come with trying to cram too much into the holidays.
4. Start New Traditions
The holidays can be a bittersweet time of nostalgia and sadness. Some traditions are just starting to feel out of reach because loved ones’ abilities are changing. Rather than wallowing in what can’t be done, consider creating new traditions everyone can enjoy.
For example, if decorating a house is challenging, then holiday-themed crafts together can be a new tradition. It might be as simple as making handmade ornaments or creating festive centerpieces using things you already have at home. If your loved ones face mobility challenges, one idea may be a “Holiday Light Drive.” Load up the car and enjoy a local display of lights without the stress of walking through crowded spaces.
If in-person get-togethers are too much, schedule a regular video call with family members who cannot attend. You can still share laughs and stories and create new memories from afar, and you’ll find new ways to redefine what the holidays mean to you and your family.
5. Adapt Meals
Ah, the holiday feast! Food very often steals the show during the holidays. But let’s face it: cooking all that fussy food can be exhausting. Rather than replicating some gourmet spread, consider streamlining your menu for simplicity’s sake.
Narrow this list down to really important ones of yours and your family. You have three types of stuffing or five different desserts. Instead, choose one or two side dishes that everyone likes the most and let them become the highlights of your meal.
Another way to ease the burden is to make it a potluck-style affair. Invite family or friends who would be happy to contribute; this will share the load and also introduce new flavors in dishes that everyone may enjoy.
If you have little time, order part or all of your holiday meals from your local grocery store or restaurant. Many places offer fully cooked or ready-to-bake options to save you hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your holiday feast without holiday stress!
6. Use More Effective Strategies to Purchase Gifts
Giving gifts is a wonderful way to express love and gratitude, but it can also feel overwhelming. Consider some practical and meaningful alternatives to make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Shopping can be done quite easily online; in many cases, shipping includes gift wrapping. For some, the shopping activity will seem too overwhelming; you can ask a family member or friend to take care of the task.
To manage expenses, consider setting a gift budget for this year or suggesting drawing names in larger families to make it more manageable. You can explore thoughtful and affordable gift options, like creating handmade items, compiling family photo books, or inviting someone for coffee.
Additionally, consider planning outings or activities to enjoy together in the future. This way, you are making memories rather than just exchanging items.
7. Anticipate Holiday Hot Buttons
The holidays often bring up topics or situations that can trigger stress and unpleasant emotions. These might involve difficult relatives, unresolved family conflicts, or feelings of loss, issues we need to acknowledge as potential sources of unrest. Some events or conversations can also resurface past conflicts, making it important to set boundaries to protect your peace. For example, you might limit time with certain family members or avoid sensitive topics that lead to tension.
A few polite responses or strategies to redirect the conversation can help you handle sensitive topics without added stress. You can think of these as mental shields, simple exit strategies that allow you to protect yourself from negative energy without letting it drag you down.
8. Mind Your Mindset
Holidays are when the mind matters. Negative thoughts trigger stress responses in the body, making one feel overwhelmed. Steer clear of the negative inner voice and instead focus on what is good in your life and actively remind yourself of what you are grateful for.
You could keep a gratitude journal to describe what you are thankful for. When you are tempted to complain about everything wrong, list three things going well. Make this a habit, and you will see how reframing the mind can change your perspective about the holiday season.
One very good way to do this is by finding inspiration. This can come in quotes, affirmations, or any other positive source of inspiration that you may find helpful. Surrounding yourself with positivity can uplift your spirit and reduce stress when faced with challenges.
9. Create a Self-Care Routine
Practicing self-care is key, especially during the holidays. As a caregiver, you may put the needs of others ahead of yourself; thus, you must carve out time to indulge in self-care activities. Think of it as a mini-retreat for you to unwind and recharge.
Start your day with something joyous: listen to your favorite music, engage in a brief yoga session, or grab coffee with an inspiring book. Even small acts like these can boost your energy and mindset for the day ahead.
During the day, consider building in moments of calmness, such as taking a walk outside to breathe fresh air. Another could be incorporating deep breathing exercises or enjoying time in nature, which can soothe your senses.
10. Don’t Forget to Celebrate You
The work you do as an in-home caregiver for the elderly is incredibly meaningful. Acknowledging this and recognizing your accomplishments is uplifting and essential for your well-being.
This can mean letting go of guilt, treating yourself to small indulgences, or even recognizing your strengths. You might record what you are proud of as a caregiver and use it to remind yourself how much you’ve done.
If you have time, carve out moments of joy by planning an outing or enjoying something you love. Whether going to a movie, visiting a local spa, or simply having a cozy night with your favorite meal, these moments keep your spirit alive.
11. Create Your Wish List
Create a holiday wish list that includes gifts and any practical support you may need. Sharing this with loved ones can help you find support and make holiday preparations smoother. For example, suppose you’re interested in helping with adorning or decorating for the holiday, gift-wrapping, or cooking or preparing meals. In that case, you may need some practical support that makes the day easier- a gift certificate to a meal delivery service or a subscription to one of the streaming services for those moments when you want to be less engaged.
Expressing your needs can strengthen people’s bonds and help them better understand the others with whom they share life. Those close to you do not comprehend how much you juggle, so talking to them can result in deep conversations and support.
These holiday seasons don’t have to be stressful for caregivers for seniors. If approached with intention and kindness toward yourself and your loved one, you will create a much more joyful experience for everybody.
Lean on those who uplift you, embrace simplicity, and focus on what truly matters. And remember, imperfections add charm. Start new traditions and let yourself revel in the season’s beauty.
You are doing fantastic. Although the holidays can be crazy, they can also be a time of warmth, love, and connection. We wish you a holiday season rich in peace, joy, and cherished moments shared with loved ones.
Find your next read and expand your knowledge
Contact us to inquire about our state-wise training courses and take the first step towards upskilling your team with a 14-day free trial!
