my thoughts exactly. A bit late. My first Christmas taking care of my mom in this condition. Worst Christmas of my life. Strangely enough the problems with has come in the days that followed. It's bad enough that she doesn't know I am her daughter most of the time, but being told she won't go to bed until I leave is a bit much. Then to make matters worse she keeps everyone up until 4 in the morning with her $%^$#%^ and lets me know in the morning she had a hell of a night. Really? That's terrible mom, but I think everyone had a night like that.

It is not only major holidays that set off elder people it is major events. Made my 88 and 89 year old parents go to my daughter's college graduation and her wedding. Both events were in another State. Graduation was in Annapolis, MD and wedding in Pensacola, FL. About 1 year apart. 2010 and 2011. I almost had a nervous breakdown. My daughter is an only child and so am I so yes I did write made them go. I figured that we had a small family so they should be there. My daughter also wanted them there because of the small family that we do have. My husbands parent's already passed. They did not want to. We live in NJ. My Dad insisted on taking his old suit case instead of the one that my husband and I provided for him. Did not think too much about it until we got to the airport and realized that his suit case had no wheels. Please don't let your parents go on a long trip with you without a suit case without wheels. Especially in an airport. Can not write everything but there were problems at every turn.

A little late - it's been Christmas since October! My life has been miserable as the 24/7 caregiver. I had 4 hours to drop my sister at the airport, have lunch that I bought for the two of us, and because my siblings appreciate me so much no one gives me time off, got me a gift or slips me gas money to take Mom on her errands.
In a nutty shell when Mom finally gets to the point to be in a home, the other 3 will swoop in pick her bones dry, evict me without notice and leave me tired, friendless and depressed. Yea Holidays and Family time - baloney!!