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Enjoying the holidays with Parkinson’s disease

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By: Grace Huff

December is a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather together and celebrate the holiday season. From traveling to see relatives, attending parties or simply enjoying traditions at home, the holidays bring many meaningful moments. For those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), these activities can also present some additional challenges.

         Motor symptoms, such as difficulty walking or balancing, together with non-motor symptoms of fatigue, anxiety or sleep changes can make this holiday season feel overwhelming. Thoughtful planning and a few practical strategies can make it possible to enjoy the holidays while prioritizing safety, routine and well-being for those living with PD.

“The holiday season can feel overwhelming for people living with Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t have to be.  With thoughtful planning, attention to safety and a commitment to maintaining routines, many individuals can continue to travel, celebrate and enjoy meaningful time with loved ones,” said Heather Simpson Martin, OTD, OTR/L. 

Preventing falls while traveling

Cooler weather and winter travel can increase fall risk, especially for people with PD who may already experience balance or gait difficulties.

Tips to stay safe:

  1. Watch out for slippery surfaces such as frost, wet leaves, ice or snow, especially when traveling to colder climates.
  2. Wear supportive, non-slip footwear and avoid shoes with slick soles.
  3. Move slowly and carefully when transitioning form sitting to standing an allow time to stabilize before walking.
  4. Keep walkways well-lit and free from clutter or debris inside the home during busy holiday gatherings.

Falls are one of the most common injuries of those with PD, extra awareness during these busy times can make a big difference.

Travel safety

Holiday traveling by car, plane or train requires extra preparation when living with PD.

Before you go:

  1. Bring an updated medication list and pack all medications in their original bottles in your personal carry- on bag.
  2. Make sure to have your Parkinson’s Foundation Aware in Care Kit with you when travel in case of emergencies.
  3. Pack extra medication in case of travel delays or other outstanding circumstances.
  4. Plan for extra time in airports for security, boarding and transitions and communicate with airlines prior to travel
  5. Stay up to date with CDC travel recommendations, especially when flying

While traveling:

  1. Continue medications on your regular schedule, even when crossing time zones, unless your physician advises otherwise.
  2. Take breaks to rest during long travel days to manage fatigue
  3. Stay hydrated and eat regular meals to support symptom management

Maintaining routine

One of the most important ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms during the holidays is maintaining your routine as much as possible.

  1. Keep moving: regular exercise supports mobility, mood and sleep.
    1. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement per day
    2. Make exercise social by inviting friends and family to join
    3. Consider meeting with your rehabilitation team ahead of time to create a virtual or travel-friendly exercise plan
    4. Consider virtual exercise options while you travel which are available online through many of the Parkinson’s organizations
  2. Prioritize sleep
    1. Go to bed and wake up around the same time as you normally do
    2. Scheduled rest breaks during busy days to prevent exhaustion
  3. Stay consistent with medications
    1. Take medications exactly as prescribed
    2. Always consult your physician if you are unaware how travel may affect your medication schedule.
  4. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

Communicating effectively with Parkinson’s

Holiday gatherings can be loud, busy and overstimulating, which may make communication efforts more difficult for people with PD.

Helpful tips:

  1. Choose quieter spaces for conversation when possible
  2. Encourage others to speak slowly, clear and face-to-face
  3. Allow extra time for responses without interrupting
  4. For those with cognitive changes, be mindful that unfamiliar environments can increase confusion, especially in crowded settings.
  5. Care partners may need to provide additional support during events, shopping trips or new locations.

The holidays are joyful and full of love, but they can also be stressful. Stress can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms, making self-care especially important during this time of year. The most important thing you can do this holiday season is take care of yourself. Listen to your body, honor your needs and don’t hesitate to slow down if you need to. That could mean taking a nap or asking for help, these choices support your health and enjoyment of the holiday season.

The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. We hope these tips provide helpful guidance so you can focus on what matters most: connection, celebration and making meaningful memories. If you or a loved one have questions about Parkinson’s care, travel planning or symptom management, our team is here to support you.