As the holidays approach, many of us find ourselves remembering how things used to be—bustle in the kitchen, children running through the house, traditions we kept year after year. With time, those traditions may change, and so do we. If you’re living with memory loss, or simply noticing that the holidays feel different now, it’s important to know that you are not alone. The season can still be filled with joy, warmth, and connection, even if it looks a little different than it once did.
Maybe you used to cook the whole Christmas dinner yourself, and now the idea feels overwhelming. Ordering dinner in, or letting family bring the dishes, doesn’t mean you’re letting go of tradition; it means you’re honoring it in a new way that works for where you are today. Perhaps you can’t host the big family gathering anymore, but you can still enjoy a smaller, quieter celebration with the people who matter most. These adjustments are acts of wisdom, not loss.
The holidays can also stir complicated feelings. You might notice changes in your own memory or the memory of a loved one. You may worry about how the grandkids will see you, or how to stay present when moments feel fleeting. But here is the truth—the heart of the holidays has never been about perfection. It has always been about connection. A familiar carol, decorating a small tree, sharing a story from long ago, or simply sitting side by side in the glow of the lights—these moments are real, meaningful, and deeply felt.
What matters most is being together in a way that feels comfortable and safe. Give yourself permission to slow down. Let others help. Allow new traditions to grow alongside the old. Your presence, your laughter, your memories, and even your quiet moments, they are all gifts to the people who love you.
At Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska, we have spent this year witnessing powerful moments of connection among the seniors we serve. Through support groups, education, Art Links, and the Forget Me Not Chorus, we see every day that joy can still shine through, even as life changes. You deserve that joy, too.
As 2025 comes to a close, we want you to know how grateful we are for the opportunity to walk beside you. We wish you a season filled with peace, warmth, and moments that bring you comfort and delight— wherever you are on your journey.
To learn more about our programs or find support, visit our new website at www.AlzAlaska.org or call 907-561-3313.
Lisa Sauder is the CEO of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska.
