A Calmer Christmas: Tips to support people with dementia during the holidays

The holidays are a time for festive cheer, where days are filled with warmth, traditions, and moments meant to be shared. But while this season brings joy to many, it can also bring confusion and overwhelm to people living with dementia — as well as added mental and emotional stress for those caring for them.

But that doesn’t mean that care professionals and families can’t make the most out of this season. With the right approach, the holiday season can still be meaningful and joyful, without becoming overstimulating.

Below, we share some practical tips and ideas to help care teams and families create festive moments that can make Christmas a special time for everyone.

1. Stick to routines

Routine brings comfort to people living with dementia. Familiar rhythms reduce stress and help them feel more grounded and in control. While the holidays often bring surprises and change, it can be helpful to try to keep the celebrations familiar, gentle and predictable.

Both in care facilities and home settings, this can mean keeping daily routines as consistent as possible, even when decorations go up or visitors arrive. Waking up, bathing and getting dressed at the usual times can help residents feel secure. If the person regularly enjoys activities like morning walks or watching a television show at a set time during the day, making sure they can still enjoy that can help them feel more grounded.

2. Keep everyone informed

When family members or loved ones visit during the holidays, making sure they all know where the person is at in their dementia journey and how they are currently experiencing the world helps enormously. Even if they are already aware of the diagnosis, dementia can often progress drastically and unexpectedly. 

Carers can support this by updating all visiting family members on any recent changes they might see, such as increasing memory loss, mobility issues, or shifts in personality or behaviour. This helps set realistic expectations and allows everyone to approach the holidays with patience and compassion.

3. Be mindful of food and drinks

Many holiday traditions are centred around food. But unfamiliar dishes or large portions can be overwhelming for some people living with dementia.

In care settings, it can help to offer choices that feel familiar or comforting. Some residents might be happier with one of their usual meals rather than with a traditional festive dinner — and that’s okay. If the person has a small appetite, try serving smaller portions or offering finger food. 

Care teams and families alike can support seniors with dementia by calmly walking them through what is on their plate and letting them eat at their own pace. And if they enjoy having an alcoholic drink, especially during special occasions, they should be able to do so! (Unless otherwise indicated by a doctor or healthcare professional)

4. Avoid an overstimulating atmosphere

The loud, bright nature of Christmas celebrations can be too much for a person with dementia, and it might lead to agitation or withdrawal. Making sure that the environment is inviting for them is key to turning holiday celebrations into something that is enjoyable for everyone.

Try to reduce unnecessary noise, such as loud music, as much as possible. Steer from bright, flashing lights and opt for softer, warmer lighting. If possible, try designating a ‘quiet area’, where the person with dementia (or residents at a care home) can relax and have some downtime without stimuli. Familiar comfort items, like a favourite blanket or pillow, can offer additional reassurance during busy moments.

5. Incorporate music & games

Music and play are powerful ways to bond with people living with dementia, especially during the holidays. Playing familiar songs they enjoy, singing their favourite Christmas carols, or gentle group activities are simple ways to involve the person in the festivities.

Dementia activities that involve play (such as simple movement activities, shared visual experiences or interactive games) create opportunities for connection without pressure or complex planning. Many games for seniors to play are designed to be intuitive and accessible, making it easier for both staff and visiting family members to join in.

There are also games for seniors that support meaningful engagement through play. The Tovertafel, for example, offers interactive games designed specifically for dementia care. Its seasonal activities and personalizable content allow carers to create calm and joyful moments without complicated setup or instructions.

6. Choose the right time of day to celebrate

Some people living with dementia experience periods of sundowning, which means more confusion and agitation as the evening approaches. 

For care professionals planning festive moments at care homes or for families organising the holidays at home, choosing earlier times (late morning or early afternoon) can help someone with dementia feel more alert and at ease. Celebrating during these calmer moments often leads to more positive and relaxed experiences for everyone involved. 

7. Be kind to yourself

While care is deeply driven by love and compassion, it can also be very challenging, particularly during the holidays. For care professionals, this season often brings additional responsibilities and expectations. For families, it can come with mixed emotions and pressure to “make it perfect”. 

Amid the holiday stress, remember to be kind to yourself and to give yourself enough time to process your feelings. Accepting help, sharing responsibilities, and allowing space for rest are essential. Acknowledge that you are doing the best you can during this time.

At the heart of it all, the best gift we can give to someone going through a dementia journey is our presence. Spending time with them, meeting them where they’re at, sharing a moment of play, and simply being there for them is the greatest form of love (and what will make the holidays special).