7 Ways for Caregivers to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

 Written by: FirstLight Home Care

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Edited by 

Chris Clark

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Updated on: December 9, 2025

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The holidays often bring added stress along with the joy of the season. To help caregivers cope, FirstLight ​Home Care shares seven ways to reduce and manage holiday stress while still caring for an older adult.

The holiday season is upon us, and this time of year often brings with it the joy of holiday decorating, the giving and receiving of gifts, and big family get-togethers complete with large sit-down meals.

But for the caregiver of an older or ailing loved one, the holiday season can also bring the stress of hosting well-meaning family and friends who want to celebrate the season with that loved one.

Here are seven ideas to help you reduce the added stress that the holiday season can bring.

7 Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress Over the Holidays

1. Keep the Guest List Small

If your loved one is the family’s matriarch or patriarch, the chances that the entire family will want to spend the holiday with your loved one are probably high. 

However, modifying a once-grand family occasion into a simpler gathering, or even a few smaller ones, may be needed for both you and your older adult.

Talk with the family and remind them of the stress a large gathering can place on you and the senior you care for. 

Suggest that the closest family and friends maintain the family ritual, while inviting other relatives and acquaintances to meet you and your loved one for a meal. 

You can also schedule visits at different times, so the burden of hosting a single significant event isn’t too great at any one time.

2. Suggest Another Relative Host the Big Family Gathering

Now that your loved one is older, it may be time to move the family gathering from their home to a child’s, grandchild’s, or another close family member’s home. 

Holiday traditions are hard to break, but the next generation is often eager to take on the responsibility of maintaining the family rituals and adding their own modern spins. 

Instead of cooking and cleaning to prepare for visitors, you will only need to focus on transporting your loved one to the event. 

If necessary, ask for help with that as well. And don’t be afraid to request a ride so you can also have some assistance during the trip.

3. Change the Way You Shop

Instead of fighting the holiday crowds to buy gifts or shop for groceries and other basics, try shopping online.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a host of other issues, one of the positive developments has been the proliferation of online shopping options.

Now, you can save time by shopping online and having everything delivered. 

4. Ask For Help When You Need It

If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the additional holiday hustle and bustle, don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help. 

For example, if you are preparing a meal for visitors or have additional cleaning to do to prepare the house for guests. To get the extra time you’ll need, ask a friend or family member to keep your loved one company.

And don’t be afraid to lean on your support network for help with shopping or meal preparation.

5. Stay Connected With Other Caregivers

Taking a break from your duties to talk with other caregivers in similar situations can both ease your stress and help you identify coping strategies.

Meet with a local support group or find one online. 

Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you find support groups and assist you if needed.

6. Take Care of Yourself and Practice Self-Care

Don’t forget to take some time for your own needs.

Perhaps you can go out and do some shopping or get a massage while a family member who is visiting for the holidays stays with your loved one.

If finances allow, you could also hire short-term caregiving support to provide a much-needed break and help you recharge.

Do your best to get some rest and exercise, and take time to look after your own health and well-being.

7. Focus On What is Most Meaningful

Remind yourself that not everything has to be perfect. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed, take a brief break to refocus on what matters most and embrace only the most meaningful traditions. 

If you or your loved one has an honored tradition, such as attending a church service or playing Santa for the family’s children, consider skipping additional events and focusing on the most meaningful traditions.

Most importantly, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the season. 

Do the holiday activities you enjoy most: take time to reminisce about past holidays with your loved one, listen to festive holiday music, or relax and watch your favorite holiday movies together.

Final Thoughts About Minimizing Caregiver Stress Over the Holidays

Recommended for you:

• Prepare Family Before Holiday Visits with Seniors
• Self Care During the Holidays: 10 Stress Relief Tips for Caregivers
• Caregiving Holiday Tips: 3 Ways to Deal with Difficult Family

Guest contributor: Carol Nelson​, RN, BSN, MBA, is Healthcare Solutions​ Manager for FirstLight ​Home Care.​ ​​With more than 35 years of experience in Medicare and private-duty home care services, hospice and palliative care, and assisted living management, Carol has a heart for service and a dedication to the health and well-being of older adults.