Helping Caregivers Create Joy for Their Loved Ones

Home Transition Specialist Inc.™ can help families and caregivers create festive and safe spaces for their loved ones for the Holiday Season.

Some of my fondest memories of my mom and family took place during the holiday season. Decorating the tree was a ritual we shared, and over the years, the Christmas tree has become a symbol of her love. When I see Christmas decorations, I think of her. When I decorate my own tree, I feel more connected to her, placing ornaments that represent each of the loved ones we’ve lost.

My Last Christmas with My Mom
Christmas 2020

Every year, my mom would start decorating for Christmas in November. It was her favorite holiday, and she filled our home with magic. Each room had its own theme—the bathroom bursting with Christmas penguins, the rec room dedicated to Santa Claus and the Nativity, complete with its own tree. The dining room housed a collection of snowmen, Santa’s Village, and yet another Christmas tree. Even the tree on the front lawn was adorned with ornaments, and garlands wrapped around the railings. Every detail was thought out, right down to the festive hand towels.

Mom was incredibly crafty and took special pride in making decorations, particularly wreaths, which became her specialty. But in November of 2020, after an unsuccessful battle with cancer, she received the news that she had only six months to live. The holiday spirit that used to fill her was missing. She knew in her heart that she wouldn’t see 2021, and the joy of the season wasn’t there for her. But she had one last mission: to make one final wreath for my aunt and one last decoration for me and my family.

She was frail, and I helped her as much as I could. Together, we finished the wreath, and we planned out the decoration that was meant for me. Sadly, she wasn’t able to complete it before she passed. I haven’t been able to finish it myself yet, but this year, I plan to and it will be something I treasure forever.

In addition to her last project, I inherited her extensive collection of Christmas decorations. This year, I want to recreate the holiday home she always made, filling our new home with the same care and attention to detail that she did. It’s my way of keeping her memory alive through her love of Christmas.

One of my biggest regrets is not decorating her home during her last Christmas. She asked us not to, and we respected her wishes.  The reality was my dad was focused on being her caregiver and didn’t have the time or energy to think about Christmas.  I was working full time and spent my spare time with her and helping my dad with some of the caregiving. But looking back, I wish I had decorated the house! Maybe it would have brought her a small piece of joy or a glimpse of the holiday she loved so much.

We spent her final Christmas in hospice, where she was comfortable and in less pain. Despite COVID restrictions, the hospice staff did their best to create a festive, family-oriented atmosphere, and I’m forever grateful for their compassion and efforts.

This experience still weighs heavily on my heart, but it has inspired me to create a short story. Though fictional, I hope it speaks to others who have faced the pain of losing a loved one, especially during the holidays. In this story, I’ll also share how my new business as a Home Transition Specialist can help families create festive and safe spaces for their loved ones during difficult times. Whether it’s decorating for the holidays or making a home feel more comforting, we provide the care and support families need when they may not have the time or energy to do it themselves.  This will be how I give back and honour my mom’s love of Christmas.