For decades, your parents have hosted holiday events at their homes. From the cooking to the decorating to the presentation, it's been all them. As they've gotten older, though, doing all of that work has gotten more difficult and tiring. Whether this is the first year someone else takes over or a conversation that needs to be had in the future, it's understandable that a senior would be upset at the idea of another person stealing their thunder. If this is the situation you're in now, here's how to help a senior enjoy the holidays when someone else is hosting holiday dinners.
Be Understanding
The number one thing you can do to help a senior handle this transition is to be understanding. This is a big change no matter how willing they are to go along with it, so it's natural that they have feelings about it. Let them be heard and sympathize with what they're feeling. While it might not always be easy, it's a lot better when there's someone around they can talk to about their worries.
Let Them Help
While they might not be leading the charge this year, your senior can still help out. Making a few things to take to the table, helping with some last-minute prep, or something similar lets them feel like they're still involved and not fading into the background. It also helps out the host, so that's a bonus.
Try Other Traditions
Just because they aren't hosting, it doesn't mean they have to sit out the entire holiday on the couch. Focusing a senior's efforts on other holiday traditions can help make up for not being the host this year. Trimming the tree on Christmas, setting up games for Thanksgiving, or taking the lead in any of your family's other festivities can be an effective way to replace their old duties.
Keep Some Things the Same
A big problem many have with this kind of change is the change itself. People (seniors included) like consistency, so suddenly deciding that a yearly tradition isn't happening the way you're used to is a big adjustment. You and others can help with this adjustment by bringing over many of the same elements into your new celebration. There's no need to change everything about how you celebrate all at once. While some small adjustments are to be expected, keeping some of the best bits from your parents' years is a fun way to keep things going even after they've given up their spot at the front.
Get Help With Senior Helpers Peachtree City
The holidays are already stressful enough without taking on even more responsibilities. If you've become your senior parents' primary caretaker, you'll have a lot more than turkey on your plate this year. If you feel overwhelmed, you can get Senior Helpers of Peachtree City to help you. We offer premium in-home care for seniors in and around Peachtree City, including cities like Atlanta, Newman, and Fayetteville. Get your parents and any other seniors in your life the quality assistance they need and contact us today.