Holidays and cancer: Tips for celebrating the season with less stress

Holidays and CancerTips for celebrating the season with less stress

1. Simplify Focus on a few items or activities that you cherish most. You don't have to do it all.

Ask for help, and accept it when offered.

Tips for people who have cancer

2. Go digital Shop online to avoid lines at the register or long walks in the parking lot.

Consider sending e-holiday cards.

Tips for people who have cancer

3. Take time for yourselfRest, exercise, reflect; it can be therapeutic.

Give yourself permission to do only as muchas you can, or want to do.

Tips for people who have cancer

Tips for families and friends

1. Help decorateHang a wreath, string up some lights, offer to trim the tree.

Ask how you can help and offer some ideas.

Tips for families and friends

2. Get cookingOffer to prepare meals that can be easily reheated.

Bring together a group and assign dates for meal preparation and delivery.

Tips for families and friends

3. Be supportiveBe there to listen.

Take cues on how the person and family want to address the holidays.

Tips for families and friends

4. Remember the siblingsIdentify ways to do something special for the siblings of pediatric patients.

Shared activities, like baking cookies, can make the holidays brighter.

Focusing on the value of relationships, rather than trying to carry out all of the traditions of years past, can make the holidays extra meaningful – and less stressful.

More Information: unclineberger.org/holidays