December Newsletter

Brilliance

Dementia Support & Consulting

When a flower doesn't bloom you change the environment in which it grows not the flower

December Newsletter

Supporting You This Season: Meaningful Gifts & Meaningful Moments

As we head into December, a season filled with traditions and gift giving, many families caring for a loved one with dementia feel a mix of joy, pressure, and quiet grief. The holidays can look different than they used to, quieter, slower, and sometimes more emotional. In this month’s newsletter, I want to offer two things: practical ideas for meaningful, dementia-friendly gifts, and gentle support for you, the caregiver, who is often carrying more than anyone realizes. My hope is that these words bring you comfort, clarity, and a reminder that you’re not walking this journey alone.

Read an article: How to Stay Mindful During the Holiday Rush

 “It’s not what’s under the tree that matters. It’s who’s gathered around it.” – Charlie Brown

Give Yourself Permission to Feel 

• The holidays can stir up many emotions, joy, sadness, hope, nostalgia, even guilt or frustration. All of these feelings are valid. You are carrying a great deal, and you do not have to do it perfectly. 

• Staying connected can help soften the emotional load. Try to reach out to one supportive person each week, a friend, relative, or fellow caregiver. Even a 10-minute call can make you feel less alone.

Remember, you don’t have to shoulder everything. Let others help where they can. Ask for one small, concrete favor: wrapping a few gifts, bringing a meal, or spending an hour with your loved one so you can rest.

• And don’t forget to make space for your own joy. A favorite song, a warm beverage, a lit candle at night, small moments of comfort can make a big difference.

Lessen the Pressure, Find the Calm 

• The pressure to maintain traditions can feel heavy. This year, try creating flexibility instead of perfection. Make a “Plan A” and a “Plan B” and know that either one is okay.

• Set realistic expectations for yourself and others. It’s more than acceptable to simplify gatherings, shorten events, or say “no” to things that create stress.

• It can also help to prepare friends and family ahead of time. Let them know what your loved one may need: slower conversations, a quiet space, or shorter visits. Clear expectations can prevent awkward moments and create a more supportive environment for everyone.

Protect Your Own Well-Being 

•  Your body is doing a great deal of emotional and physical work. Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and hydration is not selfish, it’s essential. Build small “recharge moments” into your day. Even 10–15 minutes can reset your energy: stretching, stepping outside for fresh air, journaling, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly.

• Choose simple, dementia-friendly holiday activities that don’t require a lot of energy or planning: driving to look at lights, listening to calming holiday music, or making an easy treat together.

• If someone offers to help or if respite services are available in your community, consider saying yes. A short break can renew your strength. 

Ways Others Can Support the Caregiver

 

Practical Help

• Bring a meal

• Run errands

• Help decorate or un-decorate

• Offer transportation

• Sit with their loved one so the caregiver can rest

Emotional Support

• Check in regularly with a simple question: “How can I lighten your load this week?”

• Listen without giving unsolicited advice.

Holiday Compassion

• Understand if the caregiver cancels last minute.

• Respect boundaries and modified traditions.

Gift Ideas for Your loved One!

• Give experiences, not just things- choose dinners out, theater tickets and trips out.

•  Focus on comfort- think of heated blankets, plush slippers, and cozy robes.

• Share memories- create a memory book or digital frame.

• Make life easier-try practical gifts like large print calendars or easy to use gadgets.

• Support their well-being-gift massages, foot warmers and things to allow them to relax.

• Offer connection-plan a video call or write a handwritten letter.

• Add a personal touch-handmade crafts or custom keepsakes show genuine thought and love.

Digital Picture Frame-Easy to use, connect with your phone, family can add pictures any time.

Clock with Date and Time-Assist your loved one in orienting to the date, time, weather, etc. Comes with large print, symbols, and you can set up to 20 alarms for medication and appointments.

Heated Blanket-This heated blanket has an auto shut off, many colors to choose and is extra soft.

If you would like to read previous Newsletters,

Head to my website and check them out!!

Check out previous newsletters!

IMPORTANT:  Next month Brilliance's prices will change. See the website for upcoming changes!

I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation.