Great idea! Bring the tree to you
This picture was taken by a minister friend in PA. He’s had some physical issues at Christmas, but what better way to handle it than this? They brought the Christmas tree to the bedroom. Wow, the foot-up view just got better!
My sister-in-law called on my birthday, which is always near Thanksgiving, and shared this thought: she was missing last year’s celebration, saying she thought it was “the best gathering we ever had.” Then, this year, when she and her family celebrated, she changed her mind. “Then I realized, no, *this* is the best holiday celebration ever!”
My dad shares a similar philosophy: “My favorite holiday is the one I’m having.” Adjust, enjoy what you have, create some new traditions, like bringing the Christmas tree into the bedroom.
A few more tips for good holiday times, whether it’s the 4th of July or a birthday in winter or spring:
Celebrate early, so you and your loved one can rest well by evening.
Have at least 2 rooms of activities: one for 1:1 quiet visiting with the person with dementia, and the other for boisterous cake-cutting and noise-maker-tooting. You’ll serve the needs of children and other adults without overwhelming the matriarch or the one who needs less bluster and more smiles and hugs and private jokes between daughters or grand-nieces.
Use your phones for a short sweet video that you and she can re-visit in the future! It takes only a few seconds to say “I love you!” and to laugh together and enjoy the laughter for years to come.
I hope that you are having a new but wonderful holiday with the one you care for. Don’t give them up, change them up. Email me anytime for specific tips for successful holiday celebrations. [email protected]
Take care, and stay in touch,
Tryn Rose Seley,
Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.comPurchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame
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