Keep the "happy" in your holidays

Holidays can be a stressful time of year for everyone, and especially for people living with dementia, their family members and caregivers. Here are a few refreshing tips to help set you up for success this holiday season.

1. Keep “relaxation” in the holiday schedule: We tend to over-commit ourselves for fear of disappointing people and we can feel guilty about turning down invitations. Be patient with yourself and don’t overdo it. Think about how much you can manage without being overwhelmed and be honest with others. You can also make plans to get together in the New Year instead. Most people will understand. They might also be feeling pressured.

2. Invite family and friends over: Keep the entertaining at home so you can minimize your travel. If the thought of cleaning and cooking is overwhelming, plan a night out where you can leave the cooking to someone else (or consider catering options). Many of the local supermarkets have delicious meals and appetizers ready to take home. Or order in with Skip the Dishes or Door Dash (no endorsement intended). 

3. Plan your social gatherings in smaller groups: A person living with dementia might feel overwhelmed in large groups with too many conversations and too much noise. You can also aim for getting together at a time of day when you often feel your best. Try having a backup plan in case the person gets upset or is overwhelmed. It will help you know what to do in an instant.

4. Activate your social life: Get out and interact with others and try not to isolate yourself. Social activity is good stimulation for your brain.

5. Have open conversations with people: The holidays are about connecting with the ones you love, and the ones who love you. Try and be open about what is going on in your life. Sometimes we tend to skirt the issues and stick to the small talk. This can be a good time to be honest about your day-to-day challenges so family and friends have a better idea and the opportunity to support you. It is also a great time to ask for support where you need it most.

6. Be conscious of how you’re feeling: If you’re beginning to get overwhelmed or you want to steer clear of sensitive topics, allow yourself to take a moment and regroup in another room - away from the commotion. Take a bio break or step outside and breathe in some crisp air.

7. Mind your stress levels: Healthy body, healthy brain! When you’re stressed you won’t be functioning as well as you could be - and stress can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

8. Reconsider the traditional holiday shopping: You may want to avoid the mayhem of the malls and the backlog of holiday traffic. Be creative, look for alternative ways to give gifts and stick to a manageable budget. Try shopping online. You can also send money or ask people to pick things up while they’re out. Arrange within the group to play secret Santa and focus on buying for one person. Make your own gifts at home. And if none of these options sound interesting, consider re-gifting some items you may have tucked away in storage.

9. Support yourself when cooking for the holidays: Take the easy way out. Make cooking dinner a fun, calm, collaborative event where others can contribute. Potlucks are usually a hit.

10. Exercise: Healthy body = healthy brain. Exercise increases your endorphins, reduces your risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s excellent for your cardiovascular system and can help reduce the risk of things like vascular dementia. It also allows more oxygen to get to the brain, paving the way for better brain function and relieves stress.

11. Add your favourite physical activity to your wish list for the holidays: Try snow shoeing, ice skating or a brisk walk in the park. It will help keep stress at bay and burn off calories.

12. Last but not least - focus on gratitude for small things: Live in the moment. Aim to create moments of joy instead of entire evenings or full days. Take photos and videos and capture those memories you’ll want to cherish in the future!


For additional questions please contact the support team at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary:


Call 403-290-0110
Email findsupport@alzheimercalgary.ca