Both @Cazzie and @Snoo raise some points about the challenges of caring for others during this time of year. While you are both going through very different experiences, it seems that something you share in common is that it's not only do you have to worry about the people you care for but meeting the needs so many others - What presents to get? Who's over for Xmas? What to feed them? How to manage stressors for our loved ones? @Alessandra1992 raised a good point about looking out for ourselves! We can become so focused on giving to others, that we forget about ourselves. This is why it's so important to think about our needs too during this time of year.
@Cazzie, it's great that you got a few things that you can turn to have some downtime. Does your DH have anything to help manage his stress? I can only imagine how things are feeding into each other. I think other peoples' stress can make other people's stressed so it's important that each person has there own way of coping.
@Snoo, you mentioned that your family care for your loved one and will be spending the time in 'lock-down' at home. It sounds like your family has been through this many times before? Planning with your family members may help. Perhaps agree on who can do what and when, to allow you to take some time out to do things that you enjoy over the break. It might also be helpful to develop an emergency plan too. Is that something that you would consider?
