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Peace of Mind Post December 2023
The Timeless Magic of Christmas
If you know me, you know I adore Christmas lights. I love both traditional white lights and fun colored lights. However, I adhere to a firm rule: White lights and colored lights should never mingle. Every year, I decorate the barn with the soft glow of white Christmas lights and a huge Christmas tree. It’s both magical and rustic and the perfect backdrop for the season. As I go about my familiar routine of feeding the horses, the world outside the barn seems to pause for a moment. It’s a welcome break amidst the craziness of the season. In that tranquil space, the true magic of Christmas unfolds for me. Reflecting on my cherished traditions, my mind wanders back to one that holds a special place in my heart: my grandmother’s Christmas morning breakfast. Hominy and sausage, a Southern delight that she adopted from her Missouri roots, used to grace the table each Christmas morning. I can still smell and taste it, and since she’s now passed away, it’s one of the best ways to remember her. What holiday traditions do you cherish? Traditions are a beautiful way to hand down legacies, create memories, and focus on the reason for the season and what matters most!
As the chilly air and snow surround us and the streets twinkle with festive lights, I can’t help but be filled with joy and warmth. Christmas, to me, is not just a holiday; it’s a magical season, lit with the spirit of giving, the laughter of loved ones, and the timeless beauty of cherished traditions. Every year, Christmas looks a bit different — plans shift, different homes host the celebrations, and new faces join the festive gatherings, and it can get a bit hectic! However, despite any shakeups, there’s one constant that feels most like Christmas for me. It’s a moment of peace and serenity that I eagerly anticipate each Christmas morning. Every year, I wake up before everyone else while the world is still draped in the predawn hush. I make myself a steaming cup of coffee to warm up and venture to the barn. The horses greet me with gentle neighs as I feed them. This is my peace and quiet before the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
your holiday be filled with love and peace. I hope you enjoy the simple joys of togetherness amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas! This holiday, I hope you find moments of tranquility and traditions that last year after year. Here’s to a Christmas filled with the timeless magic that makes this season truly special!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. May
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Making Holidays Comfortable for Alzheim A Thoughtful A DREAMER’S GUIDE:
Dreams are mysterious journeys into our subconscious. They can be filled with strange places, familiar faces, or bizarre scenarios. While the content of your dreams may seem random, research suggests the position you sleep in can influence their nature and intensity. The Impact of Sleep Position on Dreams The way you sleep can affect how often you enter the rapid eye movement (REM) stage and, consequently, the types of dreams you experience. While researchers can’t conclusively identify the relationship between sleeping positions and dreams, they have reached some research-based theories. Supine (On Your Back) Sleeping on your back allows for more unobstructed breathing and less fragmented sleep and may increase the likelihood of vivid and intense dreams because you’re more likely to reach REM sleep. Prone (On Your Stomach) Sleeping face down is associated with more restless sleep, less REM, and potentially fewer dreams, meaning your dreams will be less vivid and memorable. Lateral (On Your Side) Sleeping on your side, particularly in the fetal position, commonly leads to emotional dreams, possibly due to the sense of vulnerability or comfort this position provides. While sleep position can influence the frequency and nature of your dreams, it’s only one piece of the dream puzzle! Dreams remain a complex aspect of human consciousness, but it’s pretty neat to know that how you sleep may play a part! The Link Between Sleep Positions and Dreams
The holiday season brings festive celebrations and fun gatherings. However, for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, the festivities may require a thoughtful approach to ensure the comfort and well-being of loved ones facing these conditions. Here are a few adjustments to consider. Create a quiet and comfortable space. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia may become overwhelmed in noisy or crowded environments. Designate a quiet room where they can retreat if they need a break from the festivities. This space should be comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with familiar items that provide a sense of security. Plan intimate gatherings. Consider hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings rather than large crowds. Smaller groups provide a more manageable and less overstimulating environment, allowing individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia to engage more comfortably with others. Be mindful of decorations. While festive decorations are a hallmark of the holiday season, they have the potential to overstimulate the senses. Opt for soft, ambient lighting instead of flashing lights, and choose decorations that are visually appealing without being overly distracting. Avoid clutter to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
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Simplify activities. Engage in simplified holiday activities that encourage participation without causing stress. Simple crafts, gentle music, and storytelling can be enjoyable and provide a sense of connection without overwhelming sensory input. Maintain consistency. Stick to familiar routines, as consistency provides security for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. If changes are necessary, communicate them gently and in advance to minimize confusion. Limit noise levels. Loud music and excessive noise can be distressing for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Put on soft background music, or consider using noise-canceling headphones if necessary. Be attentive to the volume during conversations to create a comfortable environment. By incorporating these thoughtful strategies, you can ensure that individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia feel included and comfortable during holiday gatherings. The magic of the season lies in the joy of shared moments, and with a compassionate approach, everyone can join in the warmth and love of the holidays.
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day falls every year on Dec. 4. This year, I find myself reflecting on the exceptional team here at Trinity Elder Law — our team was truly the highlight of the year! One aspect that truly stands out is our commitment to aiding families struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Every team member — Amy, Alissa, Megan and Davina — has completed specific training on Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Amy and Megan have taken the extra step to become Certified Dementia Practitioners. Amy is dedicated to assisting families with financial benefits, offering support through the complexities of Medicaid and other resources. Meanwhile, Megan, our care navigator, helps families sort through the challenges posed by these unfortunate diagnoses. Their expertise and compassion truly set them apart, and I feel honored to have a team that works so hard to ensure families affected by dementia are supported. It’s their dedication that transforms obstacles into opportunities for our firm and clients. Our success isn’t measured in challenges overcome — instead, it’s measured in the positive impact we make on the families we assist. To my team and family here at Trinity Elder Law, thank you for your commitment and enthusiasm. I appreciate you! Cheers to another successful and impactful year!
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
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10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
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4 large eggs, separated 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 cup heavy cream
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4 tbsp butter
Directions
1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
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A Barn Lit With Christmas Magic
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Sleep Position Secrets A Comfortable Holiday for Families Touched By Alzheimer’s Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse A Thank You to Our Dedicated Team
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Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US
miles, where From Snowy Villages to Year- Round Holiday Cheer Explore America’s Most Magical Christmas Towns
Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll down
you can find reindeer farms, carolers,
gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! Solvang, California A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced “Yule-fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more! Woodstock, Vermont During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse- drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings
Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants.
It may be too late for less
spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! Leavenworth, Washington Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas-centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21
North Pole, Alaska If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, we know the perfect destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year-round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!
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