What many people see as the most wonderful time of year—the holiday season—can actually be the most stressful for caregivers. The long, busy days and demands of caregiving are often difficult for family members to manage. Once you add the hustle and bustle of a typical holiday season to the mix, the result can be an exhausted, stressed family caregiver.

It can be difficult to shop for a gift for a senior loved one during the holidays. Many older adults seem to have everything they could want or need. Those who have downsized and moved to an assisted living community might also have less space to store or display their treasures. But it’s still important to show our family elders how much they are loved and appreciated.

The role of family caregiver can be both rewarding and challenging. Women account for the majority of family caregivers. It is most often the spouse or oldest daughter of the senior needing care, and the caregiver is typically between the ages of 47 and 57.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can trigger depression and sadness in many people, including older adults. Over the years, you might have witnessed changes in your loved one’s mood as the holiday season draws near. Some seniors become irritable and quick to anger, while others may be tearful and withdrawn. These behaviors are a stark contrast to the cheerfulness most of us associate with the season.

The physical and emotional demands of providing care for a senior loved one can cause even the most ardent caregiver to feel a little blue from time to time. Being responsible for the health and wellbeing of a person you love is daunting. A caregiver might worry that they aren’t doing a good job meeting their loved one’s needs or fear they will forget something important, such as an appointment or a medication dosage.

Being a caregiver for a family member or close friend can be a rewarding experience. Whether it is helping a loved one recover from an injury or illness, assisting an older person with household tasks or chores, or caring for someone at the end of their life, caregivers often find a sense of purpose that comes from knowing they are making a difference.

When an aging parent needs help around the house and assistance with personal care, working in harmony with your siblings might be tricky. While most adult children want what is best for an aging parent, it might be tough to get everyone in the family to agree on what that means.