With the holiday season coming up so does stress and anxiety for many family caregivers. This can be a wonderful time filled with joy, celebration, and time with those we love. Though for those who provide care for others, it can feel overwhelming trying to balance everything. By scheduling and setting realistic expectations, a caregiver can reduce stress and focus on enjoying this time of year. Below we have compiled some helpful tips that caregivers can use when thinking ahead this holiday season.
1. Start with a Realistic Plan
Before the season begins, take time to plan. Make a list of what truly matters.  Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, honoring family traditions, or keeping things simple this year. Be honest about what’s possible with your current caregiving responsibilities. Scaling back or adjusting traditions doesn’t mean the holidays are less special, it often means they’re more genuine and stress-free.
One of the biggest challenges caregivers face during the holidays is setting unrealistic expectations, both for themselves and for those around them. The holiday season is meant to be a time to slow down, connect, and carry-on meaningful traditions. Caregiving doesn’t have to interrupt that. But it’s important to recognize that some adjustments may be needed and making those changes doesn’t mean the holidays are any less special.
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2. Keep Things Simple
Instead of focusing on tradition or extravagance think of ways that you could condense or simplify plans in a way that doesn’t take away from what you want from the holidays but gives more flexibility. This could look like having family members bring their own dish, hosting the holidays at a location that plans things for you, or even just making gatherings smaller.
3. Include Your Loved One in the Celebration
As a caregiver, much of the stress during the holidays can come from trying to balance it all. Making time to include your loved one in holiday activities both big and small can help ease that pressure. Shared moments not only strengthen connection but can also reduce the anxiety that comes from wondering how they’re doing when you can’t be there.
4. Ask for and Accept Help
Caregiving doesn’t pause during the holidays, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Asking or receiving help doesn’t mean that you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, you are only benefiting your loved one and yourself. The holidays are built around family, friends, and those we care about so by asking and receiving help from those around us we are only strengthening the relationships we have.
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Final Thoughts
The holidays can be both beautiful and challenging for caregivers. By setting realistic expectations, keeping things simple, asking for help, and prioritizing what truly matters, you can create a season that brings comfort and joy not only to your loved one but also to yourself.
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