Holidays are usually a time to celebrate. Families reunite, people exchange gifts and celebrating traditions. When impacted by cancer during the holidays celebrating may not be what’s on your priority list. In fact, you may feel overwhelmed with all the holiday preparations and the fear of not knowing what the future will bring. Always talk to your loved ones and share your thoughts and concerns. You may not feel like attending big holiday parties but still try to make plans to meet with family and friends even if it’s on a much smaller scale. Don’t forget to give yourself breaks in-between. If you used to be the one cooking Christmas dinner maybe start a new tradition and make it a potluck instead. Family and friends won’t think less of you, they will love to support you by bringing a dish. Keep a diary and write down moments you enjoyed, smiles that you saw on peoples faces, conversations you had. Too often we focus on the cancer and the negative things this illness brings with it. Because of that it’s even more important to focus on positive things. Try not to put too much stress on you about having to travel far to visit family and friends. They will most likely understand that it’s their turn to visit you. Instead of loosing your mind while shopping for gifts in stores, make use of online shopping. You can even have gifts gift wrapped 😊 Enjoy the holidays, it’s a great distraction from worries about treatment, hospital stays, medicines etc. YOU DESERVE IT!
