Christmas means different things to people for some it can be a time of great joy filled with family ,friends love and an abundance of food and gifts. Obviously different religions have their unique beliefs and ways of expressing them including those who do not recognise Christmas.
Have you ever considered what Christmas can mean for some Carers ; it is common for Carers to be at home with their loved one facing the usual daily challenges plus the additional pressure of normal services being closed. Christmas can be a lonely time intensified by the ideas / golden dreams on the Media telling us that everyone is having the time of their life.
What is the reality ? Well not all families are together , not all families like each other , not everyone can afford expensive gifts /foods etc . There is so much hype about Christmas and each year it starts earlier please don't put pressure on yourself to meet these media created expectations because apart from anything else as a paid or unpaid Carer you are doing the most valuable job ,you are giving the most precious gift ; the gift of yourself of your time and love and care.
You may not always feel full of love and care because you are human and you need a hug . I wonder if you have ever tried giving yourself a hug ? Try putting your left arm up under your right armpit and reach out with your right arm until your right hand grips your left shoulder ; Yes it sounds clunky but it feels better than it sounds !!
If your loved one wants to eat Marmalade on Toast instead of a Turkey Roast ,go with the flow ! When my Mum had Dementia she was no longer interested in the Christmas traditions , she needed things to be routine and familiar however her eyes lit up at the sight of a Chocolate Santa Claus.
As a Carer why not give yourself a Christmas present ; could you pick up a hobby you've neglected and give yourself 20 minutes a day with it . If you used to devour a book in a day could you squeeze in time for a Chapter a day ? Give yourself a hand massage and focus on all that your hands do for you every day .
I love Paddington Bear and I have a little really soft felt version of him ; i can hold him and focus on taking in the detail ,the fabric, stitching ,his expression and for a few moments everything else falls away as my mind goes quiet !