Holiday Catch-Ups? Here Are the Questions Worth Asking.

The end of the year gives us rare breathing room. Long lunches, slower days, and time with the people we don’t see often enough. In those moments, the conversations we’ve been putting off can naturally surface, and these four questions can help you start the new year feeling clear and confident with your ageing parents, adult children, and loved ones.

How are mum and dad really going?

Holiday gatherings can reveal subtle signs that ageing parents may need more support, emotionally, physically, or financially.

Consider asking:

• How are things feeling at home?
• Is anything becoming harder to manage?
• Do your current plans still feel right for you?
• Are you still happy in this home?

These conversations won’t solve everything immediately, but they help families understand what support might be needed next.

Are we on the same page about supporting the kids?

Parents often assist adult children with rent, education, or major life steps. December is an ideal time to reset expectations.

Questions that create clarity (without awkwardness):

• What feels like the right level of support?
• Is everyone clear on what’s short-term and what’s ongoing?
• How do we ensure support doesn’t impact our own goals?
• (For couples) Do we agree on what support we wish to give?

These discussions empower everyone and make support sustainable.

Are our gifting habits aligned with what we really want?

Gift-giving should be joyful, not stressful. A light holiday chat can help clarify intentions:

• Do we want to focus on experiences rather than things?
• Should we set a generous but realistic limit?
• Are there new traditions we’d like to start?

Clarity turns gifting into something meaningful, not overwhelming.

What matters most to us next year?

This conversation is about you. Your goals, your wishes, your vision for the next stage of life.

You might share:

• Thoughts on early retirement
• A desire to simplify your estate
• A shift toward experiences over possessions
• A wish to support family in specific ways
• Desire to move, or downsize

When your loved ones understand what’s important to you, they can support you better, and often reflect on their own goals too.

Conversations today, clarity tomorrow

You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply asking the right questions can spark clarity, confidence and better decision-making across generations.

And if these questions raise something you’d like help navigating, our team is here whenever you’re ready.

How Alteris supports you and your family

At Alteris, we help families make sense of life’s major decisions, from aged care and retirement planning to supporting adult children and protecting your long-term goals. If holiday conversations spark questions or concerns, reach out. We’re here to guide you with clarity and care.