It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and while 'tis the season to be jolly, it can be a difficult time for people with a cancer diagnosis. You may be wondering if you'll feel well enough to attend family events, how to handle tricky questions, if the holidays will affect your appointments, and what next year will bring.
If you're feeling less than festive this year, the best Christmas gift you can give is to be kind to yourself. Here are some strategies to help make Christmas easier if you're affected by cancer.
1. Speak honestly with your family and loved ones
Reflect on what you really want out of the holidays and communicate how you feel ahead of time to your family and friends so they can adjust their expectations.
It's okay to admit that you may not feel like celebrating this year or don't feel well enough for the events you usually host or attend. By communicating this to your loved ones, you can take the pressure off yourself and enjoy the holidays in a way that makes sense for you and your situation.
