Tips for carers to navigate Christmas
Christmas is often seen as a magical time of year, but for unpaid carers, it can bring significant challenges and added pressures. The festive season, with its mix of expectations and demands, often places an overwhelming burden on carers who are already juggling demanding caregiving roles. Tasks like shopping, cooking, decorating, and hosting can feel impossible to manage alongside their daily responsibilities. According to a survey by Carers Trust UK, 41% of carers reported that they would need to provide even more care during the Christmas period. This increase is often due to respite support services closing over the holidays, leaving carers to shoulder even more of the load. Additionally, disruptions to routines, sensory overstimulation (from the sights, sounds, and smells of the season), family traditions, and the emotional weight of this time of year can make caring even more challenging.
To help we have put together 7 tips for carers to navigate Christmas, to help you feel the magic of the season.
- Have a Plan
Spend some time thinking about the issues you may face over the Christmas period and how you can tackle them. This could include ensuring you have enough medication, planning breaks to incorporate quiet times for the person you care for, or finding ways to prevent overwhelm. Having a plan can help you feel more confident and make a significant difference.
- It’s OK to Say No
It’s perfectly fine to decline invitations or skip obligations if they feel overwhelming. Sometimes, saying no is the best thing you can do to protect your physical and mental well-being. If you struggle with guilt, remind yourself (or others) that you are a carer, and you can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Don’t Compare
It’s often said that comparison is the thief of joy, and that can certainly be true. You might find yourself looking at how other families are celebrating or longing for Christmases of the past. Instead, try to stay in the present moment and focus on things to be grateful for this year.
- Manage Financial Expectations
If money is tight, have an honest conversation with your family to set a realistic budget. Remember that DIY gifts or thoughtful gestures can be just as meaningful as expensive presents.
- Be Kind to Yourself
Let go of guilt and perfectionism. It’s perfectly okay to simplify your Christmas plans to make them more manageable alongside your caregiving responsibilities. Celebrate the season in a way that works for you and your situation.
- Support Services
Find out in advance what support services are available over the holidays and identify who you can contact in case of a crisis. Preparing ahead can help ease anxiety.
- Ask for Help or Reach Out if You’re Struggling
Many carers experience feelings of isolation during the Christmas period. In fact, a survey by Carers Trust found that 35% of carers said they were worried about feeling lonely and isolated over Christmas. If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a support service like Samaritans.
There are also online carer forums where you can talk and share your experiences with people who understand. Carers UK has a well-established forum, which you can access for free by clicking HERE.
Caregiving during the festive period can be both emotionally and physically exhausting. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and seek support to help you navigate the season. And remember, it doesn’t matter if the decorations aren’t perfect, the food isn’t elaborate, or the gifts are small. At the end of the day, Christmas is about spending quality time with the ones you love—that’s what truly matters.
From all of us at Carers Trust Solihull, we wish you strength, peace, and joy this Christmas.
Useful resources
- Mental health support across Birmingham and Solihull during the Christmas and New Year period
https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/about-us/news/mental-health-support-across-birmingham-and-solihull-2024-25-during-the-christmas-and-new-year-period/
- Solihull Council – social services emergency out of hours – 0121 605 6060
- Here2Help – information and support to get help with food, fuel, or financial advice – Here2Help (solihull.gov.uk)
- Samaritans – 24/7 listening support via email and phone, Tel: 116 123, email: jo@samaritans.org, http://www.samaritans.org/
- Safeguarding – Report safeguarding (solihull.gov.uk)
- Children – To report a child or young person at risk call 0121 788 4300 (Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5.20pm, Friday 8.45am to 4.30pm) or out of working hours (Evenings, weekends or bank holidays) 0121 605 6060.
- Adult – To report an adult at risk call 0121 704 8007 or outside office hours in an emergency: 0121 605 6060.
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141
- SIAS – For help with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction call 0121 301 4141, sias-solihull.org.uk
- SOLAR (0–19 year olds) – Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Tel: 0121 301 2750. Between 8pm to 8am and on weekends please call 0121 301 5500 and ask for Solar or visit the website: Solar – Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (bsmhft.nhs.uk)
