The holiday season with its emphasis on light, ranging from Christmas tree lights to candles for Channukah and Kwanzaa, can be a reminder to look for the light in our lives.
As a caregiver, sometimes we are so busy that the light in our lives can get lost, but the light is always there. By paying attention to it, we can help it grow.
For example, with my late husband, Don, I would find little to ways to bring light into our lives. Sometimes it would be as simple as watching a humorous video together. Other times, I would delight in planning surprises or fun events. I might invite over friends and family for a potluck or ask the grandkids over to decorate cookies. Or I would plan an adventure to a local restaurant or movie theater—a simple endeavor that could be quite complex since moving Don required special assistance due to being paralyzed from the neck down. Whatever we did though, it brought a little splash of light into our lives.
So, as you connect with your loved ones over the holidays, try to search for ways to bring out the light and make it grow. Here are some ideas to get you going:
1) Make the Most of Rituals
Rituals, such as decorating a tree or lighting candles, are a physical act that can bring a good feeling into our hearts. When we hang the lights or light a candle, we are actively inviting light into our hearts and spreading it to our family and friends. At holiday religious ceremonies, sometimes candles are lit and the flame is passed from person to person until the whole place is alight. The feeling that brings is unique and can be repeated at home. So, if you feel the urge, pull out a candle or turn on a light, and let that physical act bring brightness into your heart.
2) Look Inside
Light can also come from taking the time to notice the love we feel in our hearts for the people and animals in our lives. It can be easy to forget the reason we are rushing around buying presents, baking holiday treats and decorating gingerbread houses. The to-do list may take precedence over our feelings. However, don’t forget to take the time to notice and express appreciation for the people in your lives. By doing so, you’ll feel a burst of joy in your heart, and that may be the best holiday gift of all.
3) Step Outside
One of the biggest gifts of the holiday season stems from new opportunities to step out into the world. Special plays and shows, such as The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, are revived. Streets are adorned with light displays. People have parties, and local governments throw events, ranging from small downtown tree lighting ceremonies to the New Year’s Day Rose Parade. So, see if any of the events in your area might be doable for you and your loved one. If so, step outside and bring some of the world’s light into your heart. Even putting a pinecone ornament covered with peanut butter and seeds outside for the birds and squirrels can be a special way to get outside, so get creative and find some joy outside.
Whatever you do, whether cuddling up to watch a favorite movie or venturing out to a party, try to enjoy yourself and have fun. You deserve it, and you are appreciated. Thank you for all of your hard work all year! Happy Holidays!
Thank you for reading, please share with a friend, and be well!
—KK
We are grateful to have been helping caregivers in need for over 10 years thanks to the support of the many generous and caring friends who have helped make a difference in so many lives.
Please consider donating to the Kathi Koll Foundation so you can help make a difference in struggling family caregivers’ lives. Thank you!
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