Now that Halloween has passed, and we’re well into November – I’m beginning to notice around me everything holidays. The store shelves have been wiped of all things spooky; replaced with shimmery tinsel, shiny ornaments, and a couple of tree toppers for good measure. All the trees have changed colors, and they’re beginning to drop their leaves. It’s absolutely freezing in the mornings, and we’re not experiencing that late afternoon summer weather anymore. 

I really love this time of year – it wasn’t until the last year or so that it was any fun for me, though. I definitely let what others expected of me during this season get to me and change how I experienced it in years past.

The holiday season can be stressful for everyone, whether you’re sick or not. Throw in a chronic illness or two, and suddenly, the recipe for disaster is closer than you might think.

Allowing the stress of the season to get under my skin is not on my radar this year – at all. As if the usual stress of the season weren’t enough, or the chronic illnesses too, I’ve got some anniversaries coming up I’d rather not celebrate.

I’ve worked hard to figure out how to avoid stress this time of year, and to deal with all the emotions associated with the season. I know I’m not the only person who’s dealing with a chronic illness or rough anniversary this time of year, so let’s dive right into these ideas I have for dealing with all that this time of year!

1) Keep It In Perspective

It’s easy to forget when you’re in the middle of frivolity, but this is called the Holiday Season for a reason – like all the others, it eventually ends. Don’t take any of it too seriously, if you can avoid it.

This too shall pass.

2) It’s About Family + Friends, Not Stuff

The past couple years, it’s become so much more obvious what’s really important about this time of year. My family has started forming new traditions, and while we still exchange some presents, we’re more excited to share new recipes and play board games.

The last couple of years, my husband and I started planning trips for Christmas, rather than spend money on stuff we’d forget about in a couple months. For my birthday, the week before Christmas, we plan a busy day of visiting museums, trying out new vegan restaurants, and checking out holiday light displays. I’ll have those memories we make a lot longer than a fancy new gadget.

3) Keep It Small, or Plan in Advance

Since I was diagnosed, I’ve learned a lot about my limitations when it comes to excursions and family gatherings. When I can, I stick to my immediate family, and we keep it simple. If it’s something I really want to do, then I plan and prep weeks in advance.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a vacation, out comes my planner and the planning begins. I’ll have lists, menus, travel plans, packing checklists, etc all done weeks before the day of. It helps me keep my sanity amidst the rush of everything. I’ve used every planner from Erin Condren, to Happy Planner – what matters is that you’ll use it.

4) Make Yourself A Priority, Too

It’s easy to forget to take your meds during the office party, or miss a therapy session because your mind is on other things. But we all know how important consistency is in people with chronic illness. Try to stick to your routines – exercise, therapy, sleep, and medications to name a few – and your body will thank you later. 

If you’re traveling, and can’t stick to your entire routine, try not to stress about it. Remember my tip about planning above? This is where this comes into play, big time. If you’re out of town, maybe you need to set aside time to meditate in your hotel room, or just take a nap – maybe you can try to hit the hotel gym in the mornings before you go visit with family, if you usually do that at home.

Whatever works for you, make it a priority.

5) It May Taste Good, But Is It Worth It?

I’ll be the first to admit, when I get near a pumpkin pie, I can’t be trusted. They’re my favorite dessert this time of year. If I overindulge, though, I’ll feel it for days. It’s SO hard this time of year, with all the tasty temptation, but the more you stick to your normal eating habits, the better you’ll feel. For me and my family, this has meant learning how to make all of our favorite treats not just vegan, but also gluten free. ( I can’t recommend Minimalist Baker or Pinterest enough for easy ideas! )

I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself, I’m saying pace yourself, and stick to what you know works.

6) If You Don’t Want To, Don’t.

I spoke a little bit about how I handle toxic family & friends before – this time of year, we’re sometimes expected to celebrate with people we have little else to do with. If this is for good reason, and there are people/situations that give you anxiety this time of year, not joy, it may be time to reconsider your plans. With a chronic illness already on your plate, do you really have time for this, too?

These are some things I’ve found that help me handle the holidays since my diagnosis – is there anything you do to avoid or deal with stress this time of year? Let me know in the comments below! 

Check back next week for a list of my favorite presents for people with chronic illness – the suggestions might surprise you!