Typical holiday preparations are often time-consuming – shopping, decorating, family and social events are all added to the normal responsibilities of daily life.

For caregivers, even those who consider themselves “part-time,” activities like baking cookies, wrapping presents and going to parties will need to be factored into a hectic schedule that may also include driving to pick up medicines, going to doctor’s appointments and helping to clean the house.

“The notion that everything should be so wonderful and perfect during the holiday season is unrealistic,” Laurie Mintz, associate professor of educational, school and counseling psychology in the MU College of Education, said recently. “Don’t expect an abysmal holiday, but do have realistic expectations. Hopefully, there will be joyful moments, but also anticipate ups and downs.”

To ease the feeling of being overwhelmed, it is important for caregivers to be realistic about how many responsibilities and tasks can be taken care of in a day - the holidays should be about spending quality time with those you love, not straining yourself to make everything an elaborate event.

This holiday AGIS would like to partner with you, the caregiver, to help reduce stress and prepare you for this wonderful season. In the next couple weeks on Carestation we’re going to be giving you articles and tips to help manage the holidays as well as resources on AGIS.com that can help you plan for a successful and safe holiday season.

More resources available at AGIS.com:

Tips for Finding a Support Group

Caregiver Self Assessment

The Caregiver Kit

Filed under: Caregiving, Holidays