The month of December is one of the most stressful times of the year and now you are the caregiver. You wonder how you will ever make it through this holiday season.  Remember the most important thing is be kind to yourself.  Take time to remember what is important to you.  It could be simply preparing your favorite foods or holding on to that one tradition that brings a smile to your face.  You do not need to do everything that everyone wants.  Some tips for making it special for you and your loved one would be to invite people in small groups to your home, to dig out the old family photo albums and reminisce with him/her about special times from the past. Engage him/her “in a trip down memory lane” conversation. Tape the conversations, makes wonderful gifts for the grandchildren. Involve the family that is far away, set up a phone schedule so everyone gets to talk.  Play soft music including some of the family’s favorite songs to help everyone relax. Simply take time to enjoy your time together. 

Enjoy the season! 

Additional resources for care giving are the Family Caregiver Alliance; http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/   and the Alzheimer’s Association; www.alz.org