Holidays can be crazy and emotional anytime but when you are in a caring season it can mean change as well.
Being a family caregiver during the holidays might mean long time traditions have to change. As both my parents Alzheimer’s disease progressed, we found they were unable to celebrate the holidays in the same ways that our family had in the past.
Mom became anxious when she was around a lot of people, so we found we had to stay home more.
Dad still enjoyed people just wasn’t able to go and do the things he used to on his own. During my time caring for Dad, I was blessed to be able to join him in one of his traditions.
Each year Dad was able to attend a special performance of Kansas City Symphony. He loved to see all the people, enjoy the holiday spirit and especially join in the carol sing-along they held at the very end of the concert.
Since I was there most Saturdays, I got the opportunity to make this a new tradition as well.
Each year 
we got dressed up in our holiday attire and ventured out to the concert. After the concert, we would stop for a special treat of ice cream!
Since Dad was the special guest I will not be able to attend this year but I am enjoying the memories he and I were able to share!
If you find yourself at a point where the holidays are not what they once were due to the need to adjust to your Loved One’s changing abilities, take heart. This season of caring will not last forever, but the new memories created will.
My prayer for you and your loved one is that you will find a way to make an intentional effort to make some new traditions or the very least new memories this holiday season!