This time of year can be difficult for families, for many reasons. Multiple large family-based holidays a month apart followed by the new year can be particularly difficult for families with older adults. The winter holidays can be exhausting, and there is a lot of hosting traditionally done for all three of them. Older adults may have also have hosted these events for most of their lives, and are reluctant to stop. We don’t think they should have to, so here are some ways that you can recover between holidays.
Have a Cleanup Plan
Having a strategy for cleanup can make it less exhausting, regardless of if you have hired help or family help. If you have multiple people coming, you can try to divide their duties based on their abilities. You can even make it an event and incorporate it into your festivities. If you’re able to, it can be helpful to have someone come in and deep clean the host’s house if they are hosting for two back-to-back holidays.
Self-Care
Take time to do the parts of holiday hosting that you enjoy, and tasks that you enjoy that don’t have anything to do with the holidays. For me, I love gift shopping, so that’s what I do when I’m overwhelmed. I also like to make packing lists so if I’m traveling that’s what I like to do to prepare.
Lots of Rest
Take lots of time to nap and rest during the holiday season. I know on the day of, hosts usually cook all day and don’t stop. The usual host may or may not be able to do that this year. What my family does particularly for Thanksgiving is take frequent television breaks. You can also do certain things, like baking the day before. You have to recover before you can make new holiday memories with your family.
Happy holidays everyone! What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Written by Brigid Coffey
