Guest Author - Rhonda Cravey

The holidays can be a stressful time in the best of situations but when you factor in a diagnosis of cancer it can become nearly impossible. There are so many activities begging to be done: shopping, wrapping, baking, hosting, card writing, decorating and celebrating. Here are some tips to help you not only get through the holidays, but enjoy them as well.

Shopping – Stay away from the busy stores and malls. Do most of your shopping online or through catalogues. You might consider giving gift cards this year. You can buy a variety of gift cards from your local grocery store and drug store.

Cards – Order your cards online and have them delivered right to your front door. Or consider sending holiday e-cards this year. Not only will it save you time but it will save you money as well.

Wrapping – If wrapping is therapeutic for you then you might welcome the opportunity to prepare your gifts by wrapping them in festive paper with beautiful ribbons. However, if your energy is low don’t let wrapping become yet another holiday chore. Instead, use gift bags rather than wrapping paper. Or, enlist the help of children and teenagers who will most likely enjoy the task of wrapping gifts.

Food – If you are usually the one who hosts the holiday meal or holiday party, don’t feel obligated to do so this year. However, if this is an activity that you really enjoy then make some changes so that it is easier on you. Let other’s help by bringing dishes, cleaning before and after the meal, and setting up for the meal.

Traveling – The last thing you want to do right now is to overextend yourself. If you do not feel healthy enough to travel then be honest with your friends and family about your limitations. Maybe they can travel to see you or maybe you can delay your trip to see them until after the holidays.

Even though the holidays are a time for gathering together with family and friends, it may not be possible for you to be around crowds of people. Talk to your physician about your immune system and find out if it’s okay for you to be around other people.

Finances – Medical bills can take their toll on any budget. If money is a concern this year consider giving less expensive homemade gifts rather than store bought gifts. Bellaonline is filled with articles suggesting inexpensive gifts. Use the "search" feature to find a specific gift or use the forum to post a request for inexpensive gift ideas. Or, write a heartfelt “thinking of you” card. You will be surprised at how meaningful and appreciated such a card will be to the recipient.

This is the year to keep the holidays simple. Choose one or two traditions that mean the most to you and do those rather than try to “do it all” this year. Don’t feel guilty about enlisting the help of friends and family that have offered to help. Giving them the opportunity to help you is in a way a gift to them.

The holiday time may make you feel depressed about your health and your current life situation. You might be surrounded by cheerful people and festive events but still feel sad and unhappy. It’s okay to cry if that’s what you need to do. Don’t force yourself to be festive and happy if that isn’t how you feel. You can’t pretend the cancer isn’t there and that your life hasn’t been turned upside down. Talk with friends, family members, your physician, or a counselor about your feelings.

Most importantly, be true to yourself during the holiday season. Get plenty of rest. Eat healthy foods. Take pleasure in the simple traditions.