For veterans with sight loss, the end of the calendar year can also present unique problems and challenges. Although bright decorations, crowded gatherings, and busy environments can make people look happy, sometimes they feel awkward or are lonely and suffering inside. Festivities and feelings associated with the various holiday season celebrations can be joyful, warm, and filled with opportunities to connect with families and friends.

Thoughtful planning can often turn awkward social situations into positives. For example, when attending gatherings, veterans and their families, or caregivers, can let hosts know their preferences with respect to well-lit seating areas or request help in navigating spaces.

The holidays can also be an appropriate time to discuss sight loss with family and friends. Sentiments can be expressed and insights shared about the impact of that loss on the person affected. It is an opportunity to clearly articulate one’s needs and encourage the support of others while reminding them also that individuals with sight loss are a vital part of holiday traditions.

Notwithstanding the challenges, thoughtful preparation can turn the holidays into a fun celebration of love and unity for blind and low vision veterans.

Many of BVA’s regional group leaders and members throughout the country are already mindful at this time of year of veterans who live alone and cannot leave their homes. A phone call, a voice message, a text message for those with a Smartphone, or a large print card would most assuredly mean a lot to them.