Managing Holiday Stress
How do you usually manage holiday stress with cancer?
Keep it simple. When I need to take dishes for potlucks, I use the easiest recipes I have. When I shop for gifts, I buy mostly gift cards. (Most people have too much stuff they don't need, so let them buy what they really want.) I often suggest using "White Elephant" items for gift exchanges with friends. It's amazing how someone has something in their cabinet they're tired of, but someone else loves it. The good times with family and friends is what we will remember. Most of, Christmas is about love, not stuff. Keep it simple.
Keep it simple is correct. Don’t offer to be the hostess for events. Life has changed, but do go to events and try to enjoy yourself. Don’t let your diagnose be the first thing people see.
: What great advice ... So many seek out seclusion after a diagnosis, and while that is understandable in the beginning, I discovered it was better for me to remain engaged with others. Keeping in touch for me proved to be a good way to stay focused on the future. Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
I have stopped hosting the whole family at one time. I have also stopped cooking and order food from local butcher shops and restaurants. Having small gatherings spread out has deepened relationships with family as you have more time to connect.
I am almost at the point of doing this myself. I usually do all of Thanksgiving by myself and it takes three days but now that I am also taking care of my mother and she freaks out for two weeks before any gathering here, I just don't think it's viable any more with the blood cancer as well! We just do the best we can! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Hi Dan, I think when we give up some stress it helps to lessen the pain. My family has been understanding and supportive. I actually felt good enough this week to cook a meal for four people. We had a very nice time, and they cleaned up! I slept better than I have in a few nights as I was completely wiped out!
Wonderful to hear that you were able to shed some of that stress and have a decent weekend with the family. For me it can do either way - family helps stress or totally creates it! Usually the former, thankfully! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
