Home for the holidays, and what we notice while we’re there

We’ve noticed an interesting pattern in our work. Just after major holidays, we tend to receive a surge of inquiries about our services. And it’s not just us at Paper Moon Moves - we hear the same thing from move managers all over the country.

It took me a few years to fully understand why, but now it makes perfect sense. Many of us (Joe and I included) spend the holidays with parents and older relatives we don’t see regularly. When we’re suddenly together for several days, we may notice changes we hadn’t seen before. Sometimes those observations lead to quiet worries: Are our parents safe and comfortable? Are they getting the support they need? Is it time to talk about making some changes, like bringing in help at home, or even considering a move?

Because we all want the holidays to feel light and joyful, we often avoid these topics. But in our experience, the holidays can actually be a good time to gently introduce them. Not to launch into a heavy, serious conversation, but simply to plant a seed. You can mention something thoughtfully, then give your loved one time to sit with it. Often, it’s best to follow up a week or two later, once the holiday excitement has died down.

Here are a few things to be on the lookout for during a holiday visit:

• Is the home as neat and clean as it usually is?
  Cleaning becomes more physically demanding as we age, and even small tasks can take a toll. We’ve worked with many clients who resist “help” in general but are open to hiring a cleaning service once they see how much relief it provides.

• Is the refrigerator well-stocked and is the food fresh?
  This is often an easy place to offer support. You might mention grocery delivery services and ask if they’d like help setting up an account or placing an order together.

• Do you notice changes in how they present themselves?
  Are they wearing clean clothes? Do they seem to be maintaining their usual personal hygiene? Small shifts here can sometimes signal that daily routines are becoming harder.

• How is their energy level?
  Are they enjoying holiday activities, or do they seem overwhelmed and exhausted? Are they sleeping significantly more, or less, than usual?

• Does anything in the home feel unsafe?
  As you move through the space, notice whether pathways are clear, rugs are secured, and lighting is adequate. Try to spot anything that might pose a tripping hazard.

Again, this doesn’t mean you need to address every concern during your holiday visit. The goal is simply to observe, take mental (or written) notes, and give yourself permission to follow up later.

It can also be helpful to check in with siblings or other relatives after the holidays. They may have noticed similar things, and gathering perspectives can make any future conversations with your parents more thoughtful, balanced, and supportive.

At Paper Moon Moves, we often hear from families just after the holidays - when small observations start to add up and questions begin to form. Our role is not to push big decisions, but to help families think through next steps with clarity and care, whether that means organizing a home, bringing in support, or planning a move that feels manageable and respectful. Sometimes all it takes is a thoughtful conversation and a trusted guide to help turn concern into a plan.