Holiday Tips for At-home Caregivers

The holiday season is a perfect time for caregivers to enjoy some festive activities with loved ones, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. From holiday attire to family traditions, indulge in something different to make the season bright. But holidays can also pose special challenges for at-home caregivers, triggering a sense of loss over changing traditions or memories of holidays past.

Simplify the Season:

Holidays don’t need to be all-or nothing. Instead of overextending yourself trying to fulfill your idea of the ideal holiday, select the few activities and traditions that matter most to you and your care recipient, and focus on celebrating those at the level you are both able.

Plan ahead:

If older family members tire easily or are vulnerable to over-stimulation, limit the number of activities they are involved in or the length of time they are included. Designate a “quiet room” for them and schedule time there for a break, when necessary

Set Realistic Expectations:

Picture-perfect holidays are barely attainable under the best of circumstances. This year is a good time to temper your expectations and limit your goals and activity to what will bring those in your household the most joy. Your holidays may not look like you imagined them, but you will still be creating family memories.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help:

The holidays can be overwhelming. There’s nothing wrong with leaning on family or friends who offer help, or even asking for assistance with specific tasks or responsibilities. Community services like meal-delivery programs can also help lessen the load.

Acknowledge Grief:

It’s important to recognize and accept the emotions that come up during the holidays, even negative feelings. While the difference between past holidays and the current celebrations can seem stark, remember to appreciate new traditions, and accept the seasonal activities you and your care recipients are capable of. 

Holiday Activity Guide

Whether you’re looking to add some Christmas magic to your home with a beautifully decorated tree or indulge in a cozy baking session, these steps can help you create special memories with your care recipient. At Mass Care Link, we know how meaningful these moments can be for caregivers and those they care for, so we’ve put together this guide on how to trim a tree and bake holiday sugar cookies—two classic holiday activities to enjoy together!

Step 1: Choose a Theme for Your Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition that brings the holiday spirit into any home. Choosing a theme for your tree can make it even more special. Here are some popular ideas:

• Classic Red and Green: Stick with traditional holiday colors like red, green, and white for a timeless look.
• Winter Wonderland: Use white and silver ornaments, snowflakes, and faux snow to create a frosty, wintry feel.
• Rustic Charm: Use natural decorations like pinecones, burlap ribbon, and wooden ornaments for a cozy, rustic tree.
• Personalized Theme: Incorporate ornaments that hold personal meaning, like family photos, keepsakes, or handmade decorations.

Selecting a theme makes decorating easier and gives your tree a cohesive, polished look.

Step 2: Prepare Your Tree and Add the Lights

Once you’ve decided on your theme, prepare the tree by fluffing out the branches and arranging them to fill any gaps. If you’re using an artificial tree, take a few minutes to shape the branches evenly.

• Add Lights: Start from the base of the tree and work your way up, wrapping the lights around each branch for even coverage. Warm white lights are classic, while colored lights add a playful touch.
• Check the Lights: Make sure to test all lights before adding them to the tree. Consider using energy-efficient LED lights to reduce heat and save energy.
• Choose the Right Amount of Lights: A good rule of thumb is to use about 100 lights per foot of tree height for a bright, festive glow.

Step 3: Add Garland and Ribbon

Garland and ribbon help fill in the gaps and add texture to your Christmas tree. For a beautiful effect:

• Choose Your Garland: Options like tinsel, beads, or even burlap work well depending on your theme.
• Drape Evenly: Start at the top and work your way down, gently draping the garland around the tree. For a modern look, try layering different types of garland.
• Add Ribbon: For a final touch, tuck in wide ribbon, wrapping it loosely around the tree or adding bows for extra flair.

Step 4: Hang Ornaments

Ornaments are the heart of Christmas tree decorations. To make your tree look its best:

• Start with Large Ornaments: Place larger ornaments near the base of the tree and work up to smaller ones as you move up.
• Fill Gaps: Use different sizes and shapes of ornaments to fill any bare spots on the tree.
• Add Personal Ornaments Last: Special ornaments, such as family keepsakes or handmade decorations, should be placed where they’re most visible.

Step 5: Top the Tree and Add a Skirt

Finish the tree with a topper and a festive tree skirt.

• Tree Topper: Choose a star, angel, or bow that matches your theme. The tree topper is the focal point, so select something that stands out.
• Tree Skirt: Add a skirt to cover the tree’s base and catch fallen needles. It also provides a spot for presents!

Bonus: Bake Festive Sugar Cookies

After decorating the tree, enjoy a holiday treat by baking sugar cookies. Here’s a simple recipe to make with loved ones.

Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
6. Decorate: Sprinkle colored sugar or add sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
7. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Baking with Loved Ones

• Keep It Simple: Pre-measure ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
• Let Them Decorate: Decorating cookies with icing and sprinkles is a fun activity that allows everyone to be creative.
• Enjoy the Moment: Play holiday music and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you bake together.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Season Together

Decorating a Christmas tree and baking sugar cookies are wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday season and create cherished memories with loved ones. At Mass Care Link, we encourage caregivers to take time for themselves and enjoy these festive activities with their care recipients. Not only do these traditions bring warmth and joy, but they also offer a chance for connection, relaxation, and celebration.

For more tips and resources to support caregivers, visit Mass Care Link’s online resource center and explore how we can help caregivers create meaningful moments with their loved ones.