The holidays invite togetherness – a season of warmth, stories, and gratitude. For families living with dementia, these moments can be both joyful and delicate. With mindful planning, celebration can remain calm, inclusive, and deeply meaningful.

The Alzheimer’s Association (2023) encourages families to simplify gatherings – soft lighting, familiar scents, gentle music, and smaller groups can prevent sensory overload. The National Institute on Aging (2022) further notes that maintaining predictable routines supports emotional stability and reduces anxiety.

At CERTUS, we see gratitude as more than an emotion – it’s a practice of presence. Small acts like folding napkins, stirring ingredients, or hanging ornaments invite participation and preserve dignity.

Families can also explore more guidance through this CERTUS Institute Support Video from the NIDE Talks YouTube series, which shares compassionate strategies for handling the holidays with gratitude and grace.

As NIDE (2019) reinforces in its Educational Seminar / Dementia Training, engaging the senses through familiar rituals strengthens emotional memory and reaffirms belonging. The holidays don’t require perfection – just connection. Gratitude lives in shared smiles, familiar songs, and the quiet comfort of being together.

Facts of the Week

· Keeping holiday gatherings small, well lit, and familiar reduces stress for individuals with dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).

· Maintaining consistent routines during the holidays supports emotional well-being and helps loved ones feel secure (National Institute on Aging, 2022).

References

Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). Tips for a dementia-friendly holiday. https://www.alz.org National Institute for Dementia Education. (2019). Educational Seminar / Dementia Training. NIDE Press.

National Institute on Aging. (2022). Holiday planning for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov

NIDE Talks. (2023). How to handle the holidays with gratitude and grace [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmNzidP4tM4&list=PLlL43Z6vhy0BufCp1rm7oeySxYOr-EZlS&index=13&t=341s“