Whenever you hear or read “Tis the Season,” it tells us it’s the season for Christmas — a joyful reminder to share the meaning of Christmas with family and friends. Many will celebrate the birth of Christ! Christmas is observed on December 25th each year. It is a time when Christians everywhere celebrate the Son of God, who came to Earth to bring salvation to humanity. Christmas was full of presents, fun, and food. Sometimes, this time of year can be stressful and lonely for the caregiver. Caring for a loved one does not stop because we are Decking the Halls or watching Santa climb down a chimney.
During the holiday season, Caregiverland still requires maintenance and oversight. Caregivers may smile, but the reality is that the work continues, even during the holidays. The bathing, dressing, feeding, turning, paying attention to the health conditions, maintaining medical equipment and medications, washing clothes, drying clothes, changing linen, and handling business affairs for your loved ones continues, sometimes with little rest and limited sleep.
To all caregivers in Caregiverland, try to infuse happy memories with your loved ones and enjoy the good days despite what the day brings. Sometimes, you have to dance like no one is watching. For those who have lost our parents, the ones who gave us life, I am supporting you. I am thinking of you.
I know from personal experience that many of our needs as caregivers are unmet. We hide the extent of our feelings so we don’t seem angry that our life’s journey has changed. You know, and I know, we are resilient souls, even on days of feeling hopelessly challenged.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I want you to know that while Christmas may be different and challenging, you are fantastic! You are terrific! You are exceptional. You are remarkable! You are a winner every day, all day! Promise me you will do something, anything, for YOU! Be safe! Be well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate and author of From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.