GRAND Magazine - December 2009 - 37

G R A N D PA RT N E R S F O R G R A N D PA R E N TS Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance –a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. - Augusta E. Rundel Once again the holiday season is upon us which can be a time of great joy or great stress. These feelings can be even more acute for family caregivers, whether you are caring for a grandchild, fellow grand or great grand. We all know the hustle and bustle of the holidays can make us feel like we are swept up in a whirlwind. The holidays come at the same time every year so start your planning early to reduce stress. Take a few minutes to outline the tasks that you need to accomplish; whether it’s cleaning and organizing, shopping, baking or cooking, or sending holiday greetings; writing them down will help put things in perspective. Your family community at CareGiverHelper offers tools that help you organize tasks and keep them in one place so you don’t lose track! This may be your first holiday as a caregiver which places additional responsibilities and extra demands upon your time. In past years you may have volunteered for the local toy drive or food bank, hosted a holiday party or cooked dinner for the extended family but this year you feel stressed about doing it. Don’t force yourself to keep up with the past. As always, you should consult with your care recipient to find out what level of excitement and company they are up for and plan accordingly. You might consider having events earlier in the day when your loved one has higher energy levels. Although it is nice if your care recipient is able to participate in holiday events it just might not be possible. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have friends and family to visit and enjoy the closeness of the holiday season. Family and friends can be very supportive and an important part of your social circle that keeps you, the caregiver, healthy and happy. Don’t feel obligated to maintain the same pace - just explain your new reality. Your friends and family will understand, they may even offer to help! This year ask each family member to find a favorite photo of a family event and jot down a few reasons it was such a special time or share a treasured family recipe. Archive these jewels at your family community. Let your whole family know they can access this section by clicking the video/images tab at the family community whenever they are looking to remember shared times. Throughout the year be sure to add new events as well and keep the family informed and connected. Remember that the family circumstances have changed and that the holidays may not be the same while caregiving is an issue. It’s important to have realistic expectations and not aim for perfection that you might not be able to achieve. But as much as it is a time for reflection it is important that you not dwell on what has been lost: better that you should give thanks for those things that you do have! Finally, unexpected things might happen that force you to modify or even cancel some or all of your plans. Make the best of the situation and take joy from the little things. A gift for the holidays: “To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect” –Oren Arnold

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GRAND Magazine - December 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - December 2009