It breaks my heart to read how much you all want Christmas to be as good as it can be for those you love, and how you long for it to be as much like it was as you can.
Here's a glimpse of Christmas from the other side - from someone who has Alzheimer's even in the early stages.
I dread it. It's too noisy, too bright, too crowded. Things don't look the way they should, I walk along the road with the dog and see a house decorated all over with Christmas lights, and although I can still remember after the first moment of confusion why it is, it unsettles me. Even going to the hairdressers on Friday the big Christmas tree frightened me, it made the salon look different, the furniture was all changed round to accomodate it and so I had to keep reminding myself where I was and why it had all changed - it was a struggle. Every change is a struggle and it's so exhausting.
It was my birthday yesterday and I have only managed to open a few of my presents this morning. I was nervous about the unknown under the wrappers, although part of me knew they were good things, I worried about where to put the new things, knowing I would be surprised and unsettled when I come across them and what have to remember them all over again. Every new 'thing' has to be learned and remembered, sometimes it's worth it. Sometimes I wonder. This is how it is for me and it may not be for others, but I suspect it might find echoes in some of your loved ones.
The only thing that really matters will be the hugs, the touches of hands, the strokes. Please remember those and forget about the rest even though it will mean it is such a different experience of Christmas
Love to you all
Shelagh