Maggie's Blog - Looking forward to Christmas.....?
Christmas items are in the shops, lights have appeared and the holiday season approaches - for many of you this is something to look forward to, however, for others it can be a stressful or lonely time as you face uncertainty, have symptoms or side effects to manage, or are facing the loss of someone close to you whilst trying to put on a brave face for others around you.
Whether you are having guests at home, are spending time away or choosing to avoid Christmas altogether, the following tips and a bit of planning may help you to be able to gain more control of some of the events happening round you and give yourself some space when you need it, allowing you to have a more enjoyable time.
Practical matters
- If you are on treatment remember many clinics/services shut down over the holidays so find out who you should call if you feel unwell and get their contact details before the holidays start
- Check your medications and medical equipment, oxygen, dressings etc. and make sure you have enough to last for the holiday period.
- Going away? If you are travelling away from home be prepared - take some extra medications with you and a list of the medications you usually take in case your return is delayed for some reason, it can also be helpful to have a summary of your notes from your doctor just in case you need to see another doctor whilst you are away. If you are going abroad make sure you have Insurance.
Managing symptoms and side effects
- Christmas food can be very rich and you may not feel up to eating it – a quiet word with your host in advance may help avoid an embarrassing moment at the table, ask for a smaller portion if you need one and tell them about any dietary restrictions, difficulties eating or the need for different texture food. If you are affected by nausea (feeling sick) you may need to adjust the time you take your anti sickness tablets to fit round different mealtimes.
- Pain - With a change in routine it can be difficult to remember your medicines – you could set an alarm to remind you to take them, a handy cushion on your lap can help protect from over enthusiastic hugs and leaps from young children or pets.
- Balance activity with rest - Let your host/guests know you may need a rest or a seat in advance, if away from home arrange for a quiet space to retreat to if you need to. Try to avoid overdoing it – if you have a busy day plan some quiet time in as well and perhaps a quieter day the next day. When you are used to doing things for yourself it can be difficult to let others help – try to accept offers of help and delegate tasks where you can.
- Some symptoms etc. may not be visible and others may not be aware of how unwell you are feeling – Have a quiet word in advance with your host/guests and flexible plans where you can choose to sit out/lie down for a while if you don’t feel up to joining in.
Managing emotions
- Meeting others you haven’t seen for a while can bring up questions you may find difficult, or not want to answer - having a few stock answers for questions can help you to feel more confident to manage the conversation - if someone asks “how are you?” and you don’t want to go into depth about how you are perhaps say I haven’t felt so well lately however I’m going to forget about it for today… or "I have been finding things very difficult but want to avoid dwelling on it today”.
- Christmas is a time when memories of those we have lost can be especially difficult. You may also feel guilty that you are feeling sad when everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves. It can help to take some time in the day to do something special in their name - the start of a new family tradition or perhaps just some quiet time and space on your own. If your family is apart for Christmas you might choose to all do something at the same time wherever you are.
- Try not to feel the pressure of having to have a perfect Christmas or to do what others expect or want when you don’t feel up to it, be honest with others and yourself about what you can manage.
Extracted from Maggie’s Centre Online Blog – Robyn’s Blog