Being someone’s caregiver is a lot of work. Whether you are currently caring for a family member, or work as a caregiver full time, it’s likely you want to do something special for the holidays but don’t have much money to do so.
We are happy to tell you that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make the holidays special for the individual you care for. Rather, you just need a little wit and creativity—keep reading to learn more.
1. Bake a Christmas Treat
Chances are you already help your charge with their groceries, so why not suggest a few extra ingredients so you can bake a special holiday treat? They likely have flour, sugar, and butter already, so grab a container of sprinkles and a few cookie cutters, and you are ready to go!
Not only is this an activity you can do together to show them you care, but it can also be a way for them to make gifts for their family and friends.
2. Go to a Holiday Show
Most cities have holiday shows at the performing arts center, such as A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker. These can be a great way to spend an afternoon or evening during December.
In most cities, tickets are affordable, but we know that in some cities, they are not. If you can’t find an affordable show to go to, we recommend taking a look at local churches. Many of them have a kid’s nativity program that can be attended for free or a small donation and can still be a fun way to spend the afternoon!
3. Walk and See the Lights
If the individual you are caring for is in a wheelchair (or you can borrow one for an afternoon), consider bundling them up and taking them on a walk through the neighborhood to see the lights and decorations as a holiday activity.
Of course, if the person you care for can still walk, this is an option as well, especially if they are trying to stay fit during the holidays. Just know that they may tire quickly if you live in a cold area and may need a walker or wheelchair at the ready.
4. Bring Over a Christmas Movie
For homebound patients, look for activities that you can do inside the house. One of our favorites is watching a movie, as it is something everyone can get in on!
If the individual you care for has a DVD player, that makes it easy to bring over something from your childhood to watch. If they don’t consider signing in to your streaming service on their TV to watch one of your favorites,
5. Do a Christmas Puzzle
For someone who is homebound but still has the use of their hands and fingers, a Christmas puzzle or board game can be a fun way to spend a winter afternoon.
Additionally, those who live in a nursing home or retirement center can ask their friends to come over and work on the puzzle or play the game with them.
6. Ask About Their Traditions
Almost everyone on this earth has some sort of tradition associated with the holidays. Ask the individual you care for what theirs were. Chances are, while you might not be able to do all of them, you can do one activity off their list with them to make them feel extra special this holiday season.
7. Read a Holiday Story
No matter the religious beliefs of the person you care for, you can find a fun holiday story to read out loud to them. Many holiday novellas are available about all sorts of topics that aren’t religion.
If your charge is still able to read or the book is available on Audible, consider getting them their own copy and holding a private book club where you discuss the book you read.
8. Put Up Small and Simple Decorations
If your charge doesn’t have any Christmas decorations of their own, consider helping them put up a few simple ones. Free options include cut-out paper snowflakes, or knitted ornaments. Even if they don’t have a tree, you can hang these items on a wall.
If you’ve got a few dollars, a string of lights can go a long way—you can simply lay it on the mantle or string it over an entrance to make the place feel festive and fun without spending a lot of money. (Additionally, if this is a person you care for regularly, consider taking some of your extra decorations to their home to save on waste!)
9. Make a Special Dish
Everyone has to eat, and if you aren’t keen on making a turkey just for you and the individual you care for, consider focusing on an easier-to-make special dish instead—like some baked chicken or a special casserole.
If you aren’t working on the actual holiday, you can still celebrate the day before with your charge, and the two of you can enjoy the few decorations you put up with a few bites of the special side dish!
10. Discuss Feelings and Get Help
The holidays can be a tough time for mental health for a lot of people, including yourself. Ensure you talk to the person you care for regularly about how the holidays make them feel, and if their response isn’t positive, ensure you talk it out with them. Also, if they have serious seasonal depression, ensure you alert someone who can treat them.
This goes for you as well. Caretaking is an around-the-clock and around-the-calendar job. If you find yourself struggling during the holidays, ensure you talk to your boss or HR director. Also, remember that there is no embarrassment in seeking help, such as therapy, especially in the profession of caretaking. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to.
Overall, whether you do all or one of the things on this list, you are certainly well on your way to making the holidays special as a caregiver.
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