Christmas is it always wonderful? I am a Christmas person. I love it. The lights, the smiles on kids faces, the fun, the presents, the food and the family traditions. Yes I love it.
But is it always wonderful?
No it isn’t.
For everyone wonderful experience there are not so wonderful experiences and even really bad times.
It could be that Christmas brings up bad memories, or that you are alone, or that you are grieving, or that you don’t have any funds to buy presents or food for your family, or a million other things or it could be one of your loved ones are unwell and this could be their last Christmas.
So no Christmas isn’t always wonderful.
I’d like everyone to just take a moment and think about what Christmas is like for others and be grateful for what you do have.
If you are struggling at Christmas please reach out and ask for help. There are many organisations that can help Beyond Blue, Lifeline or the Salvation Army.
I was listening to a late night radio show and they provided some really good advice for Christmas and your aged loved ones.
Open communication is the key.
Talk about it. Ask your aged loved one what they want. Don’t be upset or surprised if they don’t want a big deal or want to see lots of people. Seeing lots of people all at once can be very tiring and it might be easier to have a few people visit at a time.
Don’t assume it will be the same as last year, offer a couple of solutions and make your aged loved one comfortable. Don’t overwhelm them with people, food, drink or activities. That’s when things go wrong – frayed tempers appear. Just take it slowly and enjoy the moment. Don’t get caught up with thoughts of “this could be the last Christmas” it only adds more drama to the festive season.
At Christmas there is often “an elephant in the room” you know the unspoken thing. It is usually grief for a recently passed loved oved one. Nobody wants to bring it up, everyone ignores it because they don’t want anyone to be upset but you are all thinking about it. I have a great idea for you…. Why not offer a toast to the loved one, remember them, share a cherished memory and talk about them. Don’t hide your memories away. Yes there may be a few tears but there will also be many smiles.
Grief can be tough but it is so much worse when we ignore it.
Remember to talk… talk with your aged loved one, your siblings and your family.
Have a great festive season.
