Inclusive Holiday Traditions: Engaging Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Teaching Kids to Care
Chasity Robinson Mwangi Certified Dementia Practitioner
Senior Community Relations Director | Speaker | Mentor | Professional Sales Trainer & Coach | Writer
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in the U.S., established in 1983 to raise awareness, support families, and advance research. Currently, over 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias—a number projected to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 (WHO). In the U.S., nearly 13 million may be affected by 2050 without medical breakthroughs. Over 11 million unpaid caregivers provide vital support, while Alzheimer’s care costs in 2023 exceed $345 billion. These figures underscore the urgent need for advocacy, education, and research.
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As the holiday season approaches, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, it’s a perfect time to create new family traditions. These traditions can emphasize the importance of inclusivity by involving everyone, including children, in meaningful ways. Children are often perceptive and may notice changes in loved ones who seem different. It’s imperative to have open, age-appropriate conversations with family members, including children and grandchildren, to help them understand and adapt to these changes within the family.
Creating Inclusive Holiday Traditions
Creating inclusive traditions during the holiday season offers a unique opportunity to bring the family together meaningfully, especially when a loved one has Alzheimer’s. By engaging everyone, including children and teens, these traditions can honor and support your loved one while fostering connection and creating lasting memories.
Here are some ideas to inspire inclusivity and joy:
Why: Complex or fast-paced activities may overwhelm a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
How: Opt for more straightforward, sensory-focused traditions. For example, replace a large holiday dinner with a casual gathering featuring familiar foods they enjoy.
?2. Assign Age-Appropriate Roles
Why: Involving children gives them a sense of purpose and connection.
How: Encourage kids to help with tasks like decorating cookies or assisting their loved ones with simple activities. Let them know their contributions make the event special
3. Encourage Shared Memories
Why: Reflecting on positive memories fosters connection and joy.
How: Collaborate on a photo album or memory board. Invite your loved one to share stories, and let children ask questions about family history.
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4.? Focus on Sensory Activities
Why: Music, touch, and familiar scents can be comforting and engaging.
How: Sing holiday songs together, decorate a small tree, or craft scented ornaments using cinnamon or pine.
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5.??Model Empathy for Children
Why: Teaching patience and understanding helps children relate to their loved ones.
How: Explain why Grandpa might repeat stories or forget names. Emphasize the importance of patience and understanding, and the value of simply being present. By modeling empathy and understanding, you can help children relate to their loved ones with Alzheimer's, fostering a supportive and loving environment for the whole family.
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6.??Create New Traditions
Why: Alzheimer’s may make some traditions challenging to maintain.
How: Start fresh traditions like a gratitude circle, making holiday crafts, or enjoying nostalgic family movies.
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7.??Foster Togetherness Through Routine
Why: Familiar routines can comfort individuals with Alzheimer’s.
How: Schedule gatherings during the day when your loved one feels their best. Keep events short and low stress.
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8.??Celebrate Small Wins
Why: Small moments of joy can make a significant impact during the holidays.
How: Celebrate when your loved one smiles at a memory, enjoys a song, or connects meaningfully with a child.
These traditions foster patience, empathy, and togetherness and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. They honor your loved one while teaching children the importance of family, care, and compassion.
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Fostering Empathy and Understanding in Children
?Alzheimer’s can affect everyone in the family, and it’s important to help children understand it in simple, relatable terms. For example, you could explain:
?“Alzheimer’s is like when someone’s brain gets a little tired and has trouble remembering things or doing certain tasks. Grandpa might forget names, where he put something or even stories he’s told before. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t care or isn’t trying—his brain needs extra help right now. That’s why it’s important to be patient and kind and spend time together, even if things feel a little different.”
Encourage open conversations about changes in behavior and how to show patience and kindness. Explain that sometimes people with Alzheimer’s may act differently, but it’s not their fault, and they need extra love and understanding. This helps children approach their loved ones empathetically, fostering a supportive and loving environment for the whole family.
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Cherishing Moments Together
Inclusive traditions not only help a loved one with Alzheimer’s feel connected, but they also teach children and teens valuable lessons about compassion, patience, and the importance of family bonds. These moments provide a unique opportunity for kids to learn empathy and to understand the significance of supporting loved ones through difficult times. By participating in these traditions, children and teens experience firsthand how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
Here are some thoughtful activities that can bridge generational gaps, allowing kids and seniors to bond while creating meaningful memories:
Real-life Examples
One family shared how their children participated in making homemade holiday cards for their grandmother with Alzheimer’s. “It brought her so much joy to see the kids' drawing pictures and writing messages for her,” said the mother. It was a simple tradition, but it helped her feel loved and included.”
Another family found that engaging their young children in a “memory jar” activity—where they wrote down happy memories with their grandfather—became a cherished yearly tradition. “My kids learned the value of family stories and the importance of cherishing time together, no matter how things change,” said the father.
These real-life experiences show how inclusive traditions can create meaningful connections and lasting memories, helping everyone in the family feel valued and understood.
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Conclusion
As families navigate the holiday season, it’s important to embrace imperfection and focus on the present moment. The holidays are an opportunity to celebrate the unique ways everyone contributes to the family, ensuring that everyone feels valued regardless of age or ability. By creating inclusive traditions, families can foster connection, compassion, and understanding, making the season even more meaningful.
As we reflect on the significance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s remember the importance of continuing to build awareness and advocate for support. This is an ongoing journey of understanding, and by involving children in these conversations, we can teach them the value of empathy, inclusivity, and the power of family. In this way, we honor the value of tradition, the lessons learned through love, and the legacy of our loved ones while building a more supportive future for all.
Ways to Connect and Share
You can help spread awareness by sharing this content, leaving a comment below, and connecting with Chasity on her various platforms. Follow Mindful Connection on Facebook to join a community focused on essential topics like dementia care, healthcare, and brain health. Be sure to subscribe to Chasity's YouTube channel and podcast, Mind Matters: Dementia, Healthcare, and Brain Health, for in-depth discussions and expert insights. By staying connected, you'll remain updated on essential conversations about caregiving and the healthcare challenges that impact us all.
About Chasity Robinson Mwangi
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Chasity is a passionate advocate for navigating the complex healthcare system and offering practical support to those who need it most. Her commitment to improving care for seniors and humanity at large is the driving force behind her work, making her a powerful voice for change and compassion in the industry.
Speech Language Pathologist Private Practice
3 个月Perfect timing since my husband just got his Alzheimer’s dx while I was at ASHA