Cancer and Christmas

With all the hustle and bustle at this time of year Christmas can be overwhelming to those that are going through cancer or their families. Try not to worry about what you cannot do and focus on what you can do. Here are a couple of tips that helped get me through. Hopefully theywill help you or your loved ones.

FOOD
We are used to enjoying the extra treats at Christmas and we still can but try eating very small portions and nibbling on cookies. Dont worry about what you did not bake this year. When asked what can I bring? Suggest a tray of cookies or a casserole. People want to help so dont be afraid to ask.

ENTERTAINMENT
At this time of year we are use to attending social functions with friends and family. Continue to do so but know your limits. Rather than stressing about how you are going to have the energy to go to that special Christmas party, tell yourself that you will go but maybe only for an hour or so. Christmas is about getting together with friends and family even if it is for a short time. If people inquire about how you are doing and you would rather not discuss it, try shifting the conversation to something else.

SCENTS
When on treatments some of the holiday scents are not so appealing. Try opening your candle containers rather than lighting them. A nice way to add a Christmas scent is by putting fresh cloves in an orange. This gives off a nice natural scent. I found natural scents easier to tolerate than synthetic scents.

EMOTIONS
Whether it is cancer, depression, a loss of a loved one or just life we all go through alot of emotions at Christmas. Christmas is such a busy time of year that we all get overwhelmed and that makes our emotions run wild. Be greatful for what we have and dont worry about what we dont have. Be fortunate for what we have the ability to do and try not to dwell on what we cant do. As a cancer survivor I often wondered if this would be my last Christmas. Now I just be greatful for being here for this Christmas. Dont let tomorrows worries ruin todays happiness.
Be Blessed, Be Strong, Be Beautiful, Be You.

Merry Christmas to your family from ours.
Judy/Julie
Inspirational Hearts