It can be a monumental task of being the soul caregiver to someone without any other family members to help. If you are responsible for the care of a loved one, and doing it alone; these tips are especially for you. Do only what you can do comfortably. Don’t try to take on holiday tasks just to keep up with everyone else. Don’t feel guilty for not being able to do it.
There are many temptations abundant throughout the holiday season--- sweets and rich food, days full of activities. Go ahead. Have some, plan the activities; enjoy the festivities. Just don't over-indulge. It may make you sick or uncomfortable, be honest with yourself of what your situation is; and what you can handle.
If you know you cannot do a dinner for a large crowd, let this be known to other’s. Perhaps they can assist, or take on the large dinner this time. Let other’s come along-side and help; or perhaps suggest doing the holiday dinner a different way. Going out to dinner is also an option; and could be very enjoyable.
There are great ways to shop non-traditionally as well. The internet is a good alternative way to shop for food and gifts without leaving home. Another way to shop from home is using catalogs (many people feel uncomfortable about putting credit card numbers out in cyberspace). Resist the temptation to keep old traditions; make new ones, and adjust them to what you are able to cope with comfortably.
Be sure to leave enough time to really enjoy the holiday seasons. It’s not all about the hustle and bustle. Spend an evening sitting with your loved ones, a good cup of a hot beverage, some holiday treats, and meaningful music. If your loved one has long term memory, reminisce of treasured holiday’s of the past. Let them tell their stories, cherish them; it may be the last time you hear them re-tell them. When our loved ones are gone, these are the things that really matter to us the most.
Be prepared for unexpected circumstances. Something may come up, and probably will, so what can you do? If you can, change the situation. If you can't, accept it and move on. You cannot control life no matter how planned out you believe you have things.
Be kind to yourself, and take time for yourself. As a caregiver it seems the tasks are endless, and guilt can take over when we find our physical stamina ebbing. Take a night out, go to a concert, visit some friends, go shopping for “you” (when I go, it really doesn’t matter to me if I buy anything).
Spend some quality time with God. Cast all you care on Him; for He cares for you. Remember, Jesus came to give us the joy of His salvation, and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. During this season, let’s hold onto his promises, and allow Him to enter into our circumstances. Then the door is opened for His peace to come into the situation, and He gives the strength and ability to endure whatever you may be facing.
Lorna Couillard
There are many temptations abundant throughout the holiday season--- sweets and rich food, days full of activities. Go ahead. Have some, plan the activities; enjoy the festivities. Just don't over-indulge. It may make you sick or uncomfortable, be honest with yourself of what your situation is; and what you can handle.
If you know you cannot do a dinner for a large crowd, let this be known to other’s. Perhaps they can assist, or take on the large dinner this time. Let other’s come along-side and help; or perhaps suggest doing the holiday dinner a different way. Going out to dinner is also an option; and could be very enjoyable.
There are great ways to shop non-traditionally as well. The internet is a good alternative way to shop for food and gifts without leaving home. Another way to shop from home is using catalogs (many people feel uncomfortable about putting credit card numbers out in cyberspace). Resist the temptation to keep old traditions; make new ones, and adjust them to what you are able to cope with comfortably.
Be sure to leave enough time to really enjoy the holiday seasons. It’s not all about the hustle and bustle. Spend an evening sitting with your loved ones, a good cup of a hot beverage, some holiday treats, and meaningful music. If your loved one has long term memory, reminisce of treasured holiday’s of the past. Let them tell their stories, cherish them; it may be the last time you hear them re-tell them. When our loved ones are gone, these are the things that really matter to us the most.
Be prepared for unexpected circumstances. Something may come up, and probably will, so what can you do? If you can, change the situation. If you can't, accept it and move on. You cannot control life no matter how planned out you believe you have things.
Be kind to yourself, and take time for yourself. As a caregiver it seems the tasks are endless, and guilt can take over when we find our physical stamina ebbing. Take a night out, go to a concert, visit some friends, go shopping for “you” (when I go, it really doesn’t matter to me if I buy anything).
Spend some quality time with God. Cast all you care on Him; for He cares for you. Remember, Jesus came to give us the joy of His salvation, and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. During this season, let’s hold onto his promises, and allow Him to enter into our circumstances. Then the door is opened for His peace to come into the situation, and He gives the strength and ability to endure whatever you may be facing.
Lorna Couillard
