The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can feel lonely or isolating. Here are some ways to stay connected with family, friends, peers and other people in your life to make the most of the festive season.

Tips from The Loop Community Member Carolyn

My tips would be to stay connected in the ways that are do-able and accessible for you e.g. online may be easier when avoiding contact with germs, easier if transport is hard. I like to schedule some Christmas catch ups in January and by phone calls to preserve energy. I also delegate tasks to support workers to help me manage fatigue and to ensure I get everything I want to do done! I like to match support workers with tasks e.g. people who like wrapping do my wrapping with my guidance, support workers who enjoy cooking work on Xmas morning to help me prep food. Most important is to prioritise our own health and self-care and schedule lots of down time over the holidays!

One of the hardest things for me over the holidays is covering all my care and support shifts so I do our roster in late November so that if we do get short staffed, I can bring in casual, less experienced support workers for the easier tasks e.g. cleaning rather than personal care! Oh yeah and we always have a Xmas party for our care team to acknowledge their dedication and hard work!

Host Virtual Christmas Games

If travel or accessibility is an issue, you can organise a Zoom or Facetime call to stay in touch with loved ones. To add an extra festive atmosphere, you can even play games such as trivia or a virtual scavenger hunt. Another great idea is having a Secret Santa gift exchange by using online tools, drawing names, setting a budget and mailing the gifts before Christmas Day. Then, you can unwrap them together on a video call to share the fun.

Create a Memory Book

Another meaningful way to stay connected with family is by creating a memory book or photo album. Ask each family member to contribute pictures, videos, or written memories of past Christmases. You can create a physical scrapbook, or compile them into a shared digital space, such as a private online folder or a Google Doc, that everyone can access.

This can become a tradition where family members reflect on memories and share what they’re grateful for. You can also get creative with this by adding drawings or stickers, or even turn it into a yearly recap that is shared at Christmas! This is an excellent way to celebrate together, even if you can’t be in the same place physically.

Find Supportive Traditions

The holiday season can be especially hard if your immediate or extended relatives aren’t around or accommodating. Remember that you can always lean into friendships or disability peer groups to create your own traditions and feel connected.

If connecting with your family isn’t an option, explore online communities with likeminded people. Social media groups or forums focused on neuromuscular conditions often host holiday-themed discussions or events. If you are looking for events like this, reach out to your local state/territory muscular dystrophy organisations to learn about what event they’re holding.

Celebrate Your Way

You don’t always need to follow traditional celebrations to enjoy the festive season and create meaningful memories. Spend the day doing something you love, like watching your favourite movies, trying new recipes, or engaging in a hobby. Everyone has their own way of celebrating, and spending it in a way that is accessible for you does not make it any less valid.

Creating Meaningful Moments, Near or Far

The holiday season is about joy and togetherness, in any form. With a little creativity, you can create meaningful connections and memorable moments this season.

Creating meaningful moments and showing appreciation doesn’t just have to be with those closest to you either, it can be anywhere in the community such as:

• Visit your favourite coffee shop to say a special thanks for all those coffees you've enjoyed in 2024.

• Pop into your local library or community centre to see what's on in your area at this time of year (and say thanks to the staff for their service, especially the volunteers).

• Sending out an end of year celebration email to colleagues or groups that you’re involved in

For ongoing opportunities to connect with the disability community, follow our Instagram/Facebook @theloopaus. We share updates not only during the holiday season but throughout the year, helping you stay informed about events, resources, and support.