Christmas is known as a special and joyous time of year for many Americans as friends and family come together to enjoy each other and celebrate life. For the many families (approximately 1.5 million) with a loved one in hospice care, the grief and stress of the hospice season can create stress, often diminishing their Christmas spirit and holiday cheer.
This does not however have to be the case! While the hospice season can bring about particular stress, it does not mean that families are completely unable to share a special and unforgettable Christmas with one another. Whether you have a loved one in hospice at home or in an inpatient facility setting, there are several ways to make this holiday season special. Here are some special suggestions for celebrating the Christmas holiday at the end of life.
If you are celebrating within an Inpatient Setting/Assisted Living Facility:
- Make sure to decorate! Providing a special touch with a few decorations can make a big difference in making your loved one’s personal space feel warm and merry. While the facility may have a few decorations in the lobby or the building, take the time to bring a few items from home to create a festive environment!
- Cook for comfort. Some of the best holiday memories and traditions are those that involve food! Take the time this year to ask your loved one what their favorite Christmas dish is and prepare it for them. Be intentional with seeking out ways to make a variation that may fit their particular needs this year.
- Remember the reason for the season. A religious or spiritual Christmas service is an important part of many loved one’s celebrations. While it may be impossible to leave the facility to go to a Christmas service, take the time to reflect and remember the reason why we celebrate the Christmas holiday. Reading the Christmas story or singing a Christmas hymn together could be great ways to do this!
If you’re celebrating with a loved one at home:
- Prepare for guests. Having family and friends over for the holidays can make the season unique and special as you celebrate. It is important however to think ahead and make sure that the activities and decorations don’t interfere with the equipment or care that is necessary for your loved one’s needs.
- Remember the Traditions! This year make it a priority to honor your loved ones favorite special Christmas traditions. By making it a priority to incorporate their favorite Christmas songs movies, and rituals, they will feel remembered and seen in this special time of year.
If you are unable to celebrate with your loved one in hospice this year….
- Take the time to send something special for them: Sometimes it is impossible to spend the holidays with a loved one within hospice because of certain logistics such as scheduling, travel, or life circumstances.
If this is the case, reach out to your loved one’s care taker and ask them for a special way that you can make your loved one within hospice feel remembered and special this holiday season. A small thought to send a care package or holiday card can make a big difference.