Educating Children About Alzheimer’s: How Family Holiday Traditions Can Bring Joy and Connection
Story: A Holiday Memory That Still Shines
Alder’s mom always made the holidays magical. Their family moved frequently, so her mom made it a point to keep holiday traditions alive—no matter where they lived.
When her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the family worried that holiday joy might fade. But something beautiful happened: participating in familiar holiday traditions sparked something in her.
She especially loved when the kids sang Christmas carols. Her face would light up, and she'd sing along, remembering every word. It was clear that music and celebration brought her happiness—and that joy spread to the whole family.
Alder & Brenda created a PDF of 10 Holiday Tips For Families Affected By Alzheimer's. Click here to get it.
Why Family Traditions Matter—Especially with Alzheimer’s
Holiday traditions do more than mark the season—they provide emotional grounding and a deep sense of belonging. For individuals with Alzheimer’s, traditions can be incredibly powerful tools for connection.
✳️ Alzheimer’s and Memory
Alzheimer’s affects short-term memory first.
Long-term memory often remains accessible well into the middle and sometimes the late stage.
Musical memory is one of the last to be impacted by the disease. That’s why familiar songs, rituals, and traditions can often spark moments of joy, connection, and even conversation.
Types of Holiday Traditions That Can Help
🔔 Religious Traditions
Attending services together
Lighting an advent wreath
Lighting the Menorah
Singing holiday hymns
🕯️ Cultural Traditions
Decorating with lights, mistletoe, or seasonal scents
Cooking special meals or baking cookies
Watching favorite holiday movies, for example, The Rockettes, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
🎄 Family-Specific Traditions
These are often the quirkiest—and most memorable.
Alder’s family, for example, moved so often that the kids feared Santa wouldn’t find them. So, their mom made a special change-of-address card for Santa. When they saw him at the mall, they handed it to him.
They also had must-watch movies, signature dishes, and decorations that made every house feel like home. Those traditions brought stability and comfort, even when life was unpredictable.
Conclusion: The Heart of the Holidays is Connection
Alzheimer’s may change a lot of things—but it doesn’t erase love or the JOY of shared traditions. By including children in the conversation about Alzheimer’s and involving everyone in meaningful holiday activities, you create a space for understanding, compassion, and JOY.
The key? Keep it simple. Keep it familiar. Keep it filled with love.
Download your free PDF of 10 Holiday Tips For Families Affected By Alzheimer's here.
