The Holiday Decorations Are in Stores. Is It Time to Start Planning Holiday Season Care?

The Holiday Decorations Are in Stores.  
Is It Time to Start Planning Holiday Season Care?

You walk into the store for school supplies or Halloween decorations, and there they are – Christmas trees, menorahs, ornaments, and twinkling lights. 

For many families caring for a loved one with dementia, this is also the moment another thought quietly arrives: 

“How are we going to do the holidays this year?” 

If you’re asking yourself that question, you’re not alone. 

The holidays can be beautiful, but they can also bring new challenges for someone living with dementia, and for the family members who love them. Starting the conversation early can help everyone feel more prepared, more present, and less overwhelmed when the season arrives. 

Ask Yourself: Has Anything Changed Since Last Year? 

Think back to last holiday season. Since then, have you noticed changes in your parent’s: 

• Memory or confusion 

• Ability to follow conversations 

• Tolerance for large gatherings 

• Energy levels 

• Sleep patterns 

• Anxiety or agitation 

• Ability to travel safely 

What worked last year may not work this year – and that’s okay. 

Simplify Expectations 

The holidays don’t have to look the way they always have. 

Maybe Mom no longer hosts Thanksgiving. Or presents are opened in smaller groups. Or the family gathering lasts two hours instead of six. 

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is release expectations and create new traditions that meet our loved one where they are today. 

Consider Sensory Overload 

The holidays are full of things many of us love: 

• Loud conversations 

• Bright lights 

• Multiple generations gathering together 

• New environments 

• Changes in routine 

For someone living with dementia, these same experiences can feel overwhelming rather than joyful, due how dementia changes the brain’s ability to process and filter stimulation. In its caregiver guidance, The Alzheimer’s Association notes that unfamiliar or overstimulating environments are among the most common triggers for agitation in people with dementia – and that reducing noise, light, and crowding can meaningfully ease distress. 

Planning ahead can help: 

• Build in quiet breaks. 

• Keep gatherings smaller. 

• Maintain familiar routines. 

• Let family members know what to expect. 

Talk as a Family Before the Holidays Arrive 

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to have conversations before the season begins. Ask: 

• Where will my parent be most comfortable? 

• How long should visits last? 

• Does travel still make sense? 

• Who can help with caregiving responsibilities? 

• What traditions are most important to preserve? 

Having these conversations now can reduce stress and prevent difficult decisions during the holidays themselves. 

The Holidays Often Reveal a New Reality 

For many families, the holiday season becomes a turning point. Family members may notice: 

• Mom is eating less. 

• Dad is forgetting medications. 

• A parent seems lonely or withdrawn. 

• A loved one is struggling more than they realized. 

These moments can be emotional, but they can also provide clarity. 

Sometimes the most loving question isn’t: “Can we make it through one more holiday season like this?” It’s: “What support would help them thrive this season?” 

Give Yourself Permission to Plan Ahead 

If the holiday decorations are already showing up in stores, it’s okay to start thinking about the months ahead. 

Planning doesn’t mean you’re giving up hope. It means you’re leading with love. 

The greatest gift we can give our loved ones – and ourselves – is the peace of knowing everyone is cared for, supported, and able to enjoy the things that matter most. 

Learn More  

At Artis, we believe every part of the dementia journey deserves thoughtful support, compassionate care, and the opportunity to create meaningful moments together. 

Schedule a visit to see how we support the whole family every step of the way. 

Sources  

Alzheimer’s Association – Agitation and Anxiety caregiver guidance, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation