The Holidays Are Coming – But Who’s Taking Care of You?
The holidays often feel like a whirlwind of obligations—decorating, gift-giving, familygatherings, and caregiving. If you’re the one responsible for making everything happen, it canfeel like you’re running on empty before the season even begins. I know that feeling all too well.For years, I tried to juggle it all—holiday traditions, family care, work, and caregiving—believing that everything had to be perfect. One year, I found myself racing home on lunch breaks to cook meals, only to dive straight intodecorating in the evening. I convinced myself that if I could just keep everything runningsmoothly, the holidays would be magical. But instead, I felt completely disconnected. Whileeveryone around me seemed to be enjoying the season, I was exhausted, emotionally drained,and struggling to keep my head above water. That was when it hit me: I can’t do everything—and I shouldn’t have to.The turning point came when I finally let go of the idea that the holidays had to be perfect. WhatI discovered on the other side was that joy isn’t found in flawless plans or perfectly executedtraditions—it’s found in the connections we make and the space we create for ourselves. Letting Go of Perfection The first thing I learned was to let go of unrealistic expectations. Traditions are meant to bringjoy, not stress. I didn’t need to recreate every holiday memory exactly as it once was. Instead, Ibegan focusing on what mattered most—spending meaningful time with loved ones. Some years,that meant skipping the big tree or ordering takeout instead of cooking a feast. And guess what?The holidays still came, and the memories we created were just as special, if not more. Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness For the longest time, I thought asking for help meant I was failing. But the truth is, we all needhelp. When I finally reached out—whether it was asking family to handle holiday prep or friendsto share caregiving responsibilities—I found something unexpected: people wanted to help. Theyjust didn’t know what I needed. Letting go of that pride allowed me to breathe and actually enjoythe season. Managing Emotional Triggers Holidays can stir up all kinds of emotions—especially when you’re caring for a loved one whosehealth is declining or grieving someone you’ve lost. I’ve had seasons where I was stuck infrustration, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I kept asking myself, “Why does no one see whatI’m going through?” It was heavy. But I found a way through by shifting my mindset. Instead of dwelling on what was missing, I started noticing the small joys—the shared laughterover a simple meal, a quiet moment on the porch with a cup of coffee, or the way a familiarholiday song could still make me smile. Those little moments became the new traditions I nowhold close. Protecting Your Energy One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your well-being isn’t optional. Taking careof yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. I began carving out moments just for me, whether itwas a walk to clear my head or enjoying a holiday treat alone without guilt. Those small acts ofself-care became my life Give Yourself Permission to Let Go If the holidays feel heavy this year, know that you don’t have to carry it all. Take a moment toslow down, breathe, and remind yourself: You are not alone. The holidays don’t have to drainyou. They can be a time to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in ways that feel rightfor where you are now And if you need support navigating the season, I’m here. Join my Family Caregivers RealTalk, Real Support group—a space where we walk this path together, share wins andchallenges, and remind each other that we don’t have to do it all. Find Balance This Holiday Season This holiday season, let’s let go of the pressure and embrace what really matters: connection,presence, and taking care of yourself. Because when you care for yourself first, everything elsefalls into place. If you’re looking for practical tools to reclaim your peace of mind and manage the overwhelm,download my free Caregiver’s Guide to Navigating Uncertainty and Change. It’s filled withactionable steps to help you find your balance—even during the busiest times.
