with Alzheimer’s benefit from predictable routines, regular meals, and exposure to daylight. Physical activity, like stretching or walking, mer’s Caregivers and Loved Ones WINTER BLUES Open, compassionate communication is key. Caregivers should validate emotions without judgment and seek opportunities to engage loved ones in familiar activities. Music, reminiscing over photographs, or simple hobbies can foster connection and provide comfort to help break through feelings of gloom. Professional Guidance Remember, seasonal depression isn’t something to ignore. Consulting a physician, therapist, or geriatric mental health specialist can help determine if symptoms are part of seasonal depression or a greater concern. Interventions can improve mood and support better sleep. Communication and Connection to Prioritize
LOWER EXPECTATIONS AND A CODE WORD The Secret to a Stress-Free Holiday? Did you know that December is National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month? I laughed when I first heard that because, let’s be real … is that even possible? Between hosting dinners, navigating travel plans, and politely dodging family drama, “stress-free” sounds more like a myth than a monthlong celebration. But maybe that’s exactly why we need it: to remind ourselves that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be fun and happy. For me, the most challenging part is definitely when I’m hosting. There’s something about having a dozen people in your kitchen asking, “What can I do to help?” that makes your eye twitch just a little. I’ve learned that the best strategy is to plan my escape. If I’m not hosting, I decide how long I‘ll stay and when I’ll leave, without any guilt or overexplaining. It helps to have a code word when it’s time to head out! I also try (emphasis on try) to carve out time for something that’s just for me. Usually, it’s taking a walk outside on the farm on Christmas Eve. The crisp air, quiet, and smell of wood smoke reset my brain after all the noise and chaos. Of course, it doesn’t always work. Sometimes, the walk turns into holiday chaos, but I’ve realized that having even one thing that’s mine during the holidays makes a huge difference. However, things still do go sideways sometimes. I tried to make scalloped potatoes in the Instant Pot a couple of years ago and quickly learned it was a huge mistake. They wouldn’t cook! I transferred them to the stove, but they were still raw. And then eventually, they burned. The whole thing was a culinary disaster. I kept reminding everyone that Red Lobster is open on Christmas Day, so if things went absolutely sideways, we were having seafood! Luckily, the ham turned out fine, and we just ended up with a very low-carb Christmas. That’s the beauty of it, though! Holiday mishaps make for great stories later on. So, I’m embracing the spirit of National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month by lowering my expectations, laughing off the chaos, and remembering that the best memories often come from the moments that don’t go according to plan.
such as light therapy, counseling, or appropriate medications can make a meaningful difference. With awareness, intentional routines, and compassionate support, caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s can more smoothly navigate the
seasonal shift. Even on shorter, darker days, strategies can preserve connection, energy, and emotional resilience.
Classic Italian Tiramisu
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting • 1 cup brewed espresso • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 5 large egg yolks, cold
• 16 oz
mascarpone cheese, chilled • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled • 28 hard ladyfinger cookies
• 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
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