December 2025 Blog – Combatting the Holiday Blues on the Dementia Journey

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Combating the Holiday Blues on the Dementia Journey 

Tips for Celebrating the Holidays Well 

  

During the holidays we often experience increased stress associated with our own internal expectations of the season, but also due to environmental and social celebration pressure.  

  

We may have feelings of sadness due to a loss of traditions due to changes in our roles, and physical and cognitive wellness.  

•        All the celebrations and decorations may elicit feelings of loneliness and loss.   

•        As well as nostalgia related to holidays past and memories lost.   

•        It may be a very busy time that creates feelings of being overwhelmed and at a loss.   

  

We are here to encourage you to do a few things to decrease the “Holiday Blues”.  

1.    Simplify your expectations.  

2.    Decide on a few things that is non-negotiable for you and your loved ones  

3.    Consider the last holiday season: what went well and what didn’t   

4.    Reflect on what you need to change in your schedule, expectations and/ or environment in order to experience a joyful and peaceful season.  

5.    Take time to make new memories and establish new routines that works for you and your loved ones.  

To guide our families and loved ones and caregivers through this time we want to present to you 4 questions that you can ask yourself:  

  

Spiritually:  

What does worship and celebration mean to me and my loved one?   

How can I honor that?  

Socially:  

What activities or events would we like to be part of?  

How can we create new opportunities?  

Physically:   

How do I maintain physical exercise if I have a busy Holiday season?  

Mental:   

How can I create time to relax or decrease Holiday activities if it becomes too overwhelming for me?