Christmas Moments, Not Memories

Christmas time is extremely challenging, chaotic, and full of surprises! All of the lights, smells, music, and events can put a lot of stress on your loved one with Alzheimer's!

Blinking lights and sleepless nights

My husband recently fixed the blinking lights on the tree while overhearing me talk to my speech therapist! He said 'Honey, why didn't you say something!?!' All I could do was thank him because those lights kept me awake, they burned in my head, and they frightened me. All I kept saying was "blinking, blinking, blinking". No one could really understand why I wasn't sleeping and avoiding our living room for almost a month. Finally, I can rest and enjoy our tree with its beautiful ornaments.

Embracing the moment, not the memories

On Christmas morning, we are going to my daughter's to celebrate with our young grandsons. It will be a wonderful time, but I know that I can't hold onto it any more than I can hold water in my hand. I have placed all of my clothes out and will take my time to get ready. I try to look my very best to encourage my family and enjoy the time with my grandsons. I no longer worry about holding onto the memories, and I no longer fear the disease. I know that the worse is yet to come. So, your loved one wants to remember your name or some other details that might be important to you, but try to remember that spending time together is THE most important thing, not what I had for breakfast, what the date is, last year or last night.

I can't remember one day to the next but I know it's Christmas time and all I want is for us to be together. Don't forget me!