The Most Wonderful (and Busiest) Time of the Year
Christmas is a season of joy, family gatherings, twinkling lights, and cherished traditions. From the tree lightings at Cannery Row and Carmel Plaza to Christmas in the Adobes and Ice Skating by the Bay in Monterey, our beautiful peninsula comes alive with celebration. But for families caring for aging loved ones, the holidays can also bring unique challenges: managing medications during busy schedules, ensuring safe mobility around decorations, preparing special meals, and making sure Mom or Dad feel included in the celebration.
At BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, we believe every senior deserves to experience the magic of Christmas surrounded by family, comfort, and care. Whether you need a little extra help or full-time support, we're here to make this season merry, bright, and stress-free for the whole family—from Big Sur to Salinas, Carmel Valley to Seaside.
1. Plan Ahead for Holiday Gatherings
The holidays often mean guests, noise, schedule changes, and excitement—all of which can be overwhelming for seniors, especially those with dementia or mobility issues.
Tips for a smoother celebration:
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Communicate in advance: Let your loved one know who's coming, when, and what to expect.
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Create a quiet retreat space: Set up a calm room where they can rest if the activity becomes too much.
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Stick to routines: Try to maintain regular meal and medication times, even during festivities.
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Assign a family "buddy": Designate someone to check in regularly and help them feel included without overwhelming them.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Our caregivers can assist during holiday events—helping with meals, medication reminders, mobility support, and providing companionship so your loved one feels comfortable and your family can relax and enjoy the celebration.
2. Safety First: Navigating Christmas Décor and Activity
Christmas trees, candles, extension cords, and crowded spaces can pose safety risks for seniors with limited vision, mobility challenges, or confusion. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 14,900 people were treated in emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries during the 2023 holiday season—and falls account for 41% of all Christmas decorating injuries.
Safety checklist:
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Secure cords and rugs to prevent tripping.
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Use flameless candles instead of real ones.
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Keep walkways clear of decorations and gifts.
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Ensure good lighting in hallways and bathrooms.
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Avoid placing breakable ornaments within reach if your loved one has dementia.
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Secure Christmas trees to the wall with fishing line to prevent tipping.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Our trained caregivers assess the home environment for safety risks and provide hands-on support with mobility, transfers, and supervision to reduce fall risks during the busy season.
3. Managing Holiday Meals and Nutrition
From Christmas cookies to turkey dinners, the holidays are full of food—but seniors often have dietary restrictions, trouble swallowing, or decreased appetites.
Nutrition tips for seniors during the holidays:
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Offer smaller, more frequent meals if appetite is low.
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Ensure meals are soft and easy to chew if swallowing is an issue.
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Stay hydrated—excitement and activity can lead to dehydration.
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Accommodate diabetic-friendly or low-sodium options when needed.
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Include them in meal prep if able—it provides purpose and connection.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Our caregivers assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and feeding support. Whether it's preparing a holiday feast or ensuring proper nutrition throughout December, we're here to help.
4. Combat Holiday Loneliness and Isolation
For many seniors, especially those who've lost a spouse or live alone, Christmas can be a painful reminder of loss. Statistics show that two million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression—and loneliness during the holidays can intensify these feelings.
Ways to keep seniors connected:
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Schedule regular video calls with distant family members.
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Invite them to help with holiday activities like wrapping gifts or decorating cookies.
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Attend local senior-friendly events, church services, or holiday concerts—the Monterey Peninsula offers wonderful options like Celtic Christmas at the Unitarian Universalist Church and Christmas on the Wharf.
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Arrange visits from friends, neighbors, or faith community members.
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Consider professional companionship care.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Our compassionate caregivers provide more than physical support—they offer friendship, conversation, and emotional connection. We ensure no senior feels alone during the holidays.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Ask for Help
If you're a family caregiver, the pressure to "do it all" during Christmas can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and guilt. According to AARP, nearly 7 in 10 caregivers say it is emotionally stressful to care for their loved one during the holiday season—with 29% describing it as "very stressful."
Signs you may need respite care:
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Feeling overwhelmed or resentful about caregiving duties.
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Neglecting your own health, hobbies, or relationships.
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Struggling to manage holiday tasks on top of caregiving.
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Noticing your loved one needs more care than you can provide alone.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Respite care gives family caregivers a much-needed break. Whether it's a few hours to finish shopping, attend a holiday party, or a few days to travel and visit other family, our team steps in so you can recharge—and return refreshed and present for your loved one.
6. Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia During the Holidays
Christmas celebrations can be particularly challenging for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Unfamiliar environments, excited guests, and changes to routine can cause confusion and agitation.
Tips for dementia-friendly celebrations:
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Keep decorations simple: Phase in decorations gradually to avoid sudden environmental changes.
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Avoid surprises: Brief family members about changes they might notice.
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Celebrate earlier in the day: Many individuals experience "sundowning"—increased confusion in the evenings.
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Involve them at their own pace: Let them decorate a cookie, hang an ornament, or help set the table.
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Create sensory experiences: Familiar holiday music, scents, and photos can trigger positive memories.
How BrightStar Care helps:
Our caregivers are specially trained in Alzheimer's and dementia care. We provide patient, compassionate support that keeps your loved one safe and engaged while honoring their dignity and preferences.
7. The Gift of Professional Home Care
This Christmas, consider giving the gift that keeps on giving: professional home care. Whether it's for a parent, grandparent, spouse, or friend, home care is a meaningful way to show love and ensure their safety, comfort, and happiness.
BrightStar Care services include:
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Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
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Companionship and emotional support
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Meal preparation and nutrition management
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Medication reminders
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Light housekeeping and laundry
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Dementia and Alzheimer's care
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Skilled nursing care
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Respite care for family caregivers
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Holiday event assistance
We work with families to create customized care plans that fit your loved one's needs and your budget.
8. Real Families, Real Peace of Mind
"Last Christmas, I was exhausted trying to care for my mother and host the family. This year, BrightStar Care helped us through the holidays. Their caregiver was like an angel—kind, patient, and so helpful. Mom felt safe, and I actually got to enjoy Christmas with my kids."
— Local BrightStar Care Client Family, Monterey Peninsula
Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. The holidays should be filled with joy, not stress—and we're honored to help families experience that.
9. Start Planning Now: It's Not Too Late
The holidays will be here before you know it. Don't wait until the last minute to ask for help. Whether you need occasional support or around-the-clock care, BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula is ready to create a plan that works for your family.
📞 Call (831) 200-4555
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brightstarcare.com/locations/the-monterey-peninsula
📧 Request a Free In-Home Consultation
Conclusion: Make This Christmas One to Remember
You don't have to choose between caring for your loved one and enjoying the holidays. With the right support, you can do both.
At BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, we're here to help your family celebrate with peace of mind, knowing your loved one is safe, comfortable, and cherished. Let us handle the caregiving so you can focus on what truly matters—making memories together.
Merry Christmas from all of us at BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula.