Planning Tips for the Holiday Season

By Stacy Ward, M.S., Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor, PWSA (USA)

It’s the most wonderful time of year! Or, is it? The holiday season can be challenging when you have a loved one with  Prader-Willi syndrome. With numerous family gatherings, routines disrupted, parties at school, and food everywhere you turn, the season can be less than jolly. With mindful planning, this CAN be the most wonderful time of year, with less stress for the person with Prader-Willi syndrome.

If you will be with relatives or close friends, remind them of the importance of food security, especially at a big event.

Many people do not fully understand that it isn’t just about calories but it’s also about decreasing anxiety and assuring your loved one’s safety. They may not recognize that a slender person with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) might still need protection from binge eating, which is a significant danger during the holidays.

Tips for Managing Food

• Assign a specific person to be a partner to the person with PWS at all times. Dr. Linda Gourash states, “When everyone is in charge - no one is in charge.” This duty can rotate as long as the switch is directly made between partners.
• Knowing the menu ahead of time will help you plan food choices; ask the hostess, whether it is a teacher or a family member for details. Consider hosting yourself to reduce surprises.
• Discuss the food and timing of the meal ahead of time to avoid surprises and disappointment.
• Plan seating arrangements to help your loved one avoid sitting near food and condiments.
• When the meal is done, make sure food is put away or constantly supervised.

Celebrate the Holidays with Non-Food Related Activities

• Play board games, cards, or other mind-challenging games.
• Participate in a Turkey Trot, Jingle Jam, or other fun 5K walk, run, or other physical activity.
• Make homemade cards for friends and family which are treasured by the recipient.
• Decorate ornaments and host an ornament swap or exchange.
• Take a walk around your neighborhood to see the lights and decorations.
• Make puzzles out of old Christmas cards
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Christmas-Card-Jigsaw-Puzzle.

In Closing:
Although most people will never experience a holiday emergency, being prepared for one is still necessary.

• Please remember to carry and have handy PWSA (USA)’s Medical Alerts pocket-sized booklet with you, especially if you travel, and/or download the PWSA (USA) app to your smart phone. And,
• Don’t forget to take any abdominal complaints seriously during this festive season and be sure to seek urgent evaluation if you have any reason to worry.