People generally view the holidays as a time to celebrate, rejoice, and renew connections with friends and family. However, the season can be an exceptionally stressful time when coping with cancer. It can also be a time of complex feelings, such as feeling both sad and joyous. The following suggestions aim to help people with cancer preserve their energy, capture a little holiday joy, and deepen their personal relationships.
Plan to get together with friends, family or co-workers over the holidays.
Trying to celebrate alone can be very difficult, so accept some invitations from others, or join an organized group activity. Find the right balance between celebrating with family and friends and spending the time you may need on your own. Give yourself permission to pace your activities and to decline an invitation or two so that you have the energy to enjoy the gatherings that are most important to you.
Spiritual growth doesn’t require you to be physically fit.
Dip into a book of short inspirational thoughts; attend a religious service. Finding spiritual meaning in the holidays is helpful, regardless of whether you meditate, belong to a religious organization, or read philosophy.
Be an innovative shopper.
Use mail order catalogues, shop over the telephone, or try online shopping this year. You can also make a gift of sharing your thoughts and feelings. Write a short note or make a phone call to let others know that you are thinking about them.
Let other people do things for you.
You can delegate tasks and errands to others who may be looking for a concrete way to help you.
Create a new holiday season tradition that makes the most of your energy.
Change your usual holiday activities so you relieve yourself of some of the pressures of entertaining. Have a potluck with family members each bringing a dish for the meal, have someone else host the meal, or suggest eating out at a favorite restaurant.
Express your feelings.
Express them in ways that help you receive the support of the important people in your life. Tears can bring a sense of relief. Laughter can be relaxing. Sharing can be comforting. It is common to experience a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and apprehension about the future. Let your feelings breathe, and talk them over with a loved one, friend, or professional counselor.
It’s important to embrace the joy and happiness of the holidays.
Enjoy favorite meals, give and receive gifts, reunite with family and friends, and celebrate religious traditions. People with cancer and their loved ones can sometimes feel out of step from the rest of the world, and the holiday season can prompt new questions. How do I take care of the holiday rush and myself at the same time? How can I celebrate when I have so many other things on my mind? What will my life be like next year? Sharing these questions with people you love and who love you can help you feel more connected.
For more information, call the Community Cancer Center at 309-451-2218 or visit their website at www.cancercenter.org.
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