Caring at Christmas
Posted on 20th December 2023
Caring can be stressful at the best of times, but adding the extra pressures of Christmas can become overwhelming.
There are things you can do to ease the pressures. The suggestions below have been gathered from a range of sources, and we hope that you find them helpful.
Make a plan
At an already stressful time, changes to routine and closure of regular services can add extra pressures. If the person you care for needs routine, it can help to create a daily schedule for the Christmas period around your regular activities, such as set meal times, TV programmes, etc.
Food shopping can be particularly difficult. If you shop online, book your delivery slot well in advance. If you need to take the person you care for to the store, find out their quiet hours to make it an easier experience.
Check your GP and pharmacy open hours, and order any prescriptions you may need for over the festive period. Speak to any regular support providers and see if their services will be affected by Christmas hours. Make a list of key phone numbers in case of an emergency.
Alzheimer’s UK and the National Autistic Society have condition specific tips to help you plan for and cope with the festive season.
Speak to family
The temptation is to still try to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas. Talk to relatives and friends who may be involved in your Christmas celebrations, and set out realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Delegate tasks where possible, and consider staggering visits if this will ease the pressure.
Raise any concerns you might have, and try to address potential issues before they arise. Try to have these conversations in advance of Christmas day. If everyone is on the same page it can help everything to run more smoothly.
Ask for help
Don’t feel you have to take on the full burden of Christmas. Ask friends and family to help. They may be able to ease the stress by helping to buy gifts, bringing parts of the meal along, or helping with the preparation and/or clean up. If you like to do these things yourself, ask if they can watch the person you care for to free you up for a few hours.
Take a break
This is often easier said than done, especially at this time of year, but taking even an hour of time for yourself to go for a coffee with a friend, go Christmas shopping, get out for a walk, or just curl up with a good book can make a big difference to your mental health. Formal respite can be difficult, but a number of local services can offer short befriending sessions. Contact us at the Centre to find out more.
Treat yourself
It’s easy to forget about yourself in all the preparations, but you are important too and you deserve a treat. The Centre has a range of activities and funds that can help you to treat yourself, from free complementary therapy sessions (contact the Centre for details), to days out and nights away, or grants to purchase a treat that suits you.
Don't overstretch yourself financially
We’ve all fallen into the trap of thinking we need to spend money to get the perfect Christmas. If money is tight, there are plenty of ways to save without compromising on the enjoyment. Set a budget for presents with family, do a Secret Santa so you only need to buy one present, or look for good quality second hand gifts that can be significantly cheaper than buying new.
Charity shops can be a great place to look, and can sometimes have ‘unwanted gifts’ donated that are brand new. They also often have decorations, cards and other festive items at a much cheaper price, plus you’re also helping the charity by buying from there.
When it comes to food, only buy what you need and what you know will be eaten to avoid unnecessary cost and waste.
Try to enjoy yourself
Find moments where you can stop and enjoy what’s going on around you. Watch the family opening gifts. Wear the silly hat and the Christmas jumper. Share the jokes that make everyone groan. Cuddle up on the sofa and put on a Christmas film. Whatever it is that you find special about Christmas, make time to appreciate the small things, and create the important memories that last after the rest has faded.
If you need to talk...
Sometimes it can all get too much. Over Christmas there are several support services that are there for you to contact if you need to talk to someone.
The Samaritans
You can call the Samaritans, for free 24/7- including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Call: 116 123
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably offers phone and webchat support to anyone who needs it.
Their helpline is open 5pm- midnight, 365 days a year.
Call: 0800 58 58 58
Shout
Shout is a mental health text helpline with professionally trained volunteers at hand.
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text: 85258
Breathing Space
A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland age 16 years or over, feeling low, anxious or depressed.
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
Call: 0800 83 85 87
