The holiday season is often filled with gatherings, traditions, and time with the people we love most. When you or a family member is living with ALS, those same celebrations can bring mixed emotions: joy at being together, along with worry about energy, accessibility, and changes that make old routines harder. With some planning and honest communication, the holidays can still be a season of warmth and connection.
November is also National Family Caregivers Month, a fitting reminder to honor the people who make so much possible every day, and to make sure they are cared for, too.
Plan Ahead, and Keep It Flexible
A little preparation can prevent a lot of stress. Before the season gets busy, sit down together and talk about which traditions matter most. You may decide to keep a few favorites and let others go, or adapt them in new ways.
Helpful planning steps include:
- Choosing one or two key events rather than attending everything
- Scheduling gatherings at times of day when energy is typically highest
- Building in rest breaks before and after big events
- Having a backup plan, such as joining by video if needed
Flexibility is a gift. Plans can change on the day, and that is perfectly okay.
Make Gatherings Accessible
If you are hosting or visiting, think through the space in advance. Is there a step-free entrance or a ramp? Is there a quiet room where someone can rest? Are pathways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair? Hosts can help by moving rugs and furniture, setting up a comfortable chair with good support, and keeping the bathroom easy to reach.
For those who use breathing equipment or communication devices, bring chargers, extension cords, and any backup supplies. A simple checklist can make travel to a relative's home much smoother.
Adapting Holiday Meals
Food is at the heart of many celebrations. If swallowing has changed, talk with your speech-language pathologist or dietitian before the holidays about safe textures and options. Many traditional dishes, such as mashed potatoes, soups, squash, and pumpkin desserts, are naturally soft or easy to modify. Serving meals at a relaxed pace and minimizing distractions at the table can make eating more comfortable and enjoyable.
Remember that the joy of the meal is about sharing time together, not about the amount eaten.
Communicate Needs With Family and Friends
Loved ones often want to help but may not know how. A short message or phone call before a gathering can set everyone at ease. You might share what has changed, what kind of help is welcome, and what topics you would rather not discuss. Suggesting specific ways to pitch in, such as bringing a dish, driving, or sitting with your loved one while you rest, turns good intentions into real support.
Honor Family Caregivers This November
Caregivers carry a great deal, especially during the holidays when there is extra cooking, hosting, and coordinating. National Family Caregivers Month is a perfect time to recognize their dedication. Consider these gestures:
- Offer respite so the caregiver can enjoy an event on their own
- Take over a holiday task, like shopping or decorating
- Write a heartfelt note of thanks
- Encourage them to connect with a caregiver support group
Caregivers, give yourselves permission to rest, to ask for help, and to enjoy moments of the season just for you.
Making Space for Every Emotion
The holidays can bring grief alongside gratitude. It is normal to miss the way things used to be. Some families create new traditions that honor both, such as sharing favorite memories, lighting a candle, or starting a gratitude jar. If feelings become heavy, reach out to a counselor, spiritual advisor, or your clinic social worker.
Celebrating With Care
This season, focus on what truly matters: connection, comfort, and presence. Alongside the guidance of your neurologist and care team, some families choose to include supportive nutrition as part of their daily routine. The Deanna Protocol® was created by a father for his daughter and features alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), GABA, and arginine to support cellular energy and nerve and motor function. Ask your doctor whether it may be right for you, and learn more about the Deanna Protocol as you care for yourself and your family this season.
