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A collection of wrapped gifts portraying symbols of gratitude are gathered on a table, surrounded by Christmas lights and in front of a row of candles. Behind the gifts are people at a party.

Navigating the Holidays

Randalynn Vasel's avatar image

By Randalynn Vasel

2 min read

The holidays are an interesting time of year without a cancer diagnosis - I think people either love them or hate them, there's really no in-between. I fall into the latter category, not a huge fan but as you may know, I'm a mom of two little humans so I fake it until you make it and you'd never guess.

The holidays can be different for everyone

Navigating the holidays post-cancer diagnosis is a bit challenging because things are different now. Maybe you're post-treatment and still dealing with some major fatigue and body aches or maybe you're in the thick of it...and then you have those who this may be their last holiday and they are highly aware, trying to soak everything in. The one thing I want everyone to know is you get to choose how much you participate during this time of year. You need to acknowledge what works best for you.

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Tips for the holidays

A couple of tips that I think are helpful for everyone, regardless of what you may have going on:

  1. Don't try to do it all - We live in a society of go-go-go until you're exhausted. Pick the things you really want to do and say thank you, but 'no' to the things you can't make work OR don't want to really spend your time doing. It's okay to say no.
  2. Make sure you are a priority - Stick to the schedule that works for you. Movement, nutrition, hydration, and rest!
  3. Divide and conquer - Don't try to do it all alone, ask for help and accept help when it's offered. I had/have such a hard time accepting help, I want to do everything myself to try and prove something and all it proves is that I wear myself out. People want to help, let them. If you're hosting, create a list of things needed and see who wants to do what.
  4. Experiences over things - Bigger isn't always better. More isn't always really worth it. I try to find experiential items and things. I'd rather know that the children will have something to remember rather than something that in a few months or so they'll never remember they received. So find those things you can experience and everyone can remember as time passes.
  5. Beware of germs - Obviously! Prior to Covid, this was a thing too for those of us with cancer.  If you're undergoing chemotherapy during the holidays it's a bit more challenging because your white blood cells may not be what they normally would be and you have to be extra cautious.  It's not that you can't do things, you just need to be cautious and those you're gathering with need to acknowledge if they have something as small as a sniffle.

Enjoy the holidays how you choose

Enjoy this time of year. Experience what you want and do what you need to get through them without mentally, physically, and emotionally wearing yourself out. Do the things that are a priority for you and if they're not, know it's okay to say no.

If you have tips and tricks that have gotten you through the holidays, we'd love for you to share them in the comments! Happy holidays!

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