1. Don’t be afraid to course correct. Just because you’ve always hosted the big holiday party doesn’t mean

you always must. If you are caregiving and working full or even part-time, preparing for that event might

be more than you can comfortably handle. Hand this year’s soiree over to someone else who is eager

to host. Or outsource the event to a caterer or restaurant. While this is going to reduce your stress level,

know it will also be more enjoyable for the guests. It’s likely your guests will notice if you are overwhelmed

and not have as much fun if they are concerned about your well-being.

2. Rely on your caregiving crew. Every primary caregiver (captain of the caregiving ship) needs at least

1-2 secondary caregivers (first mates) and lots of tertiary caregivers (dock hands). Delegate some tasks

that help you or your sick loved one to the secondary caregivers (picking up prescriptions, taking your

loved one to physical therapy). Delegate even more tasks to your tertiary caregivers (picking up gift

cards that you can give to the grandkids for holiday presents or shoveling snow when it storms). If

you don’t have a caregiving crew, make it your New Year’s resolution to form one.

3. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, remember that large crowds

are likely going to be overwhelming. Consider leaving that person with a paid caregiver if you are going t

o a big family event. Coordinate smaller gatherings of friends and family to visit your loved one at

different times during the holiday season (this coordination can be delegated to a secondary or tertiary caregiver).

4. Simplify gifts. Are you still buying for all the adults in the family? While most of us can’t resist buying

presents for the kids, do you really need to buy your adult sister and adult daughter lots of gifts? Opt

out of gift-giving this year or draw names so you purchase for only one other adult. Or donate to charity

as a family in lieu of a gift exchange.

5. Consider a stay-cation. If you typically travel during the holidays to visit friends and family, does it

make sense this year? Are you just too tired? Particularly if you travel for your job or have a long daily

commute, staying home a few days during the holidays might be what you need.

6. Evaluate how you are going to do things differently next year. As previously mentioned, if you are

trying to do caregiving alone while working, you must make a course correction. Determine who in

your life can serve as secondary or tertiary caregivers.