The holidays are upon us, and as a caregiver to an older family member, you may be feeling a little stressed. We know it can be tough to juggle all of the expectations and responsibilities of your loved one, while also making sure you’re taking care of yourself.

But we’ve got good news: there are lots of ways to prepare for the holiday season so that you feel prepared and empowered—and not overwhelmed! Here are three tips for surviving the holidays as a caregiver with a senior:

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself.

The holidays are about family time and giving back, but they can also be stressful when it comes to caring for an aging loved one. You might not have time or energy left over at the end of the day to organize or cook elaborate meals or bake cookies from scratch. It’s okay if you don’t meet every expectation for yourself! Instead, think about what will truly make this holiday season special for both of you (maybe it’s watching movies together or taking a nice walk through the park) and make sure that happens first!

2. Try to stay organized.

You’ll need more than just yourself to get through the day—make sure everyone has their own list of tasks so everyone knows what needs to be done when. If possible, hire a professional organizer to help get things in order before the big day arrives. Also make sure you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong with transportation or childcare—you don’t want anything getting in between you and your loved one enjoying themselves!

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—even if it’s just someone to talk to or bring over dinner once in awhile.

Caregiving can be difficult, but know you’re not alone in the process. If you’re going to be away from home for any length of time—whether it’s because you’re going on vacation or attending a holiday party—make sure that you have someone stay with your loved one while you’re gone. This might be someone who lives nearby or even just someone who has volunteered to do so in exchange for some help around the house. You can also hire a professional caretaker if you want to ensure 24/7 supervision during your absence.