The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger   The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.   In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.   Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.   Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.   3 Main Points Discussed   Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.   Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.   Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.   3 Key Takeaways   You can’t pour from an empty cup Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.   Caregiving is about presence, not perfection Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”   Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.   Resources Mentioned (Books) The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers. Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers — available for a limited time only (2 weeks).