Happy Holidays to all!

As Christmas gets closer, there may be those of you who are new to care giving. I would like to offer a piece of advice and others can chime in as well.If you are new to care giving, please take some time for yourself and your family. I'm saying this because for the last several years, I have spent holidays with my dad. Not that I'm saying I deeply regret it but saying that we have to set boundaries and set new traditions for our own families. I spent the holidays with him because I did not want him to be alone but now I'm remembering the many times my mom and I were alone on Christmas when I was growing up because he was not home. I have learned so much in this forum. One of the biggest things is the ability and courage to say NO. He is in a facility now and doing well for his age. This year, I'm planning a trip for Christmas and I have not told him because he will come up with something to try and stop me from going. So... please put yourself first because life is short and ENJOY your holiday season as YOU see fit and do not feel guilty about it.