Holidays with a Loved One Facing “Memory Moments”
Ah, the holiday season—filled with laughter, joy, and your aunt's questionable eggnog recipe! But add a family member with emerging memory challenges to the mix, and things can get... interesting. Luckily, with a bit of humor, a dash of patience, and a sprinkle of planning, you can create a celebration everyone will enjoy.
1. Embrace “Flexible Festivities”: Instead of planning a whirlwind of activities, try for a “flexible agenda.” If your loved one can’t recall the family’s annual gingerbread cookie competition rules, maybe this year the goal is simply “build something sticky and sweet.” Let the rules (and sprinkles) fall where they may—after all, the fun is in the journey, not the destination!
2. Memory-Sparking Moments: Familiar scents, songs, and decorations can work wonders. If they’re convinced that "Jingle Bells" just dropped this year, play along! And don’t worry if they mix up relatives; being called by a sibling’s name just adds a bit of seasonal mystery. Dig out those classic photos and stories to jog memories, and laugh along with the ones that emerge—true or not, they’re bound to be entertaining.
3. Plan for Pauses: Big gatherings can be exhausting, even for memory masters! Create a “festive timeout zone”—a comfy chair in a quiet spot with a good view of the merrymaking. If things get too lively, they can take a break with a cozy blanket, a snack, and possibly a nap (which may or may not last the whole event).
4. Share the Workload—and the Laughs: Family holidays should be a team effort! Enlist others to bring dishes, manage seating, and ensure there’s a steady stream of memorable moments. This way, you’re not so focused on every detail that you miss out on the fun. Plus, other family members get to join in any memory-mix-up laughs along the way.
5. Keep the Season Lighthearted: If they mix up the turkey and the trimmings or call you by the dog’s name, roll with it! Treat memory slip-ups with gentle humor. Embrace the quirks and create a holiday that’s warm, welcoming, and, most importantly, joyful.
With these tips, you can host a stress-free holiday that honors your loved one’s unique journey—and adds a little extra sparkle to the season for everyone involved.
Until next time, stay sharp, stay smart, and stay BrainFit!
-Jim
P.S. As the year winds down, let's remember to nurture our minds, cherish our connections, and embrace the moments of joy this season brings. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and growth. Here's to a brighter, brainier new year!