The holiday season can be a magical, joyous time of the year. But the holidays can also overwhelm some people. Here are a few tips to help you manage the holiday season and enjoy it!
The holiday season can be a magical, joyous time of the year. The sights and sounds of the holiday season — festive lights and decorations, cheerful holiday music, and warm and fuzzy Hallmark and Lifetime channel holiday movies — create excitement and high expectations.
But the holidays can also overwhelm some people, creating added stress and pressure. It can be challenging to navigate the holiday season if you’re the caregiver of a child with a rare or undiagnosed condition. Your focus is finding answers, treatments, and cures for your child's condition. As a caregiver, you might feel overwhelmed by all the demands on your time and energy around the holidays.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, but there are ways that you can manage your expectations and take care of yourself while still providing support for others. Please continue reading for a few tips to help you manage the holiday season and enjoy it!
There’s a lot of pressure to have the perfect holiday, give the best presents, and prepare the most delicious meal during the holiday season. That’s challenging to accomplish even in the best circumstances. Instead, realize what’s essential to you for the holidays. For example, instead of baking several varieties of cookies, bake only your family’s favorite.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of the season. Try not to commit to more than you can realistically and successfully handle. Don’t overdo the shopping, cleaning, cooking, or holiday activities. Don’t feel obligated to accept every invitation that comes your way. Do everything in moderation.
Try not to feel like you’re being a burden if you ask for help. The people who love you most are happy to support you and appreciate knowing there are things they can do to help.
The holidays are a stressful time for anyone, let alone those of us dealing with the complexities of caring for a child with healthcare issues. It’s okay if you don’t constantly feel festive. Release that expectation to relieve pressure. Practice self-compassion, especially when things don’t go as planned.
It can be physically and emotionally exhausting to be a primary caregiver for a child with healthcare needs. Yes, it’s much easier said than done when you’re a caregiver, but self-care is crucial. Taking care of yourself — getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising — during the holiday season can add more stress. As said so many times, you can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself.
Caregivers are pros at managing unexpected schedule changes. It may be helpful to lower your expectations to avoid disappointment and that post-holiday letdown. It’s possible to enjoy the season while doing less. For instance, eliminating some traditions or activities could make the holidays more meaningful by making them less stressful.
Give yourself permission to set boundaries. You don’t have to accept every invitation you get or participate in every family tradition the way you’ve always done them. Be realistic about what’s manageable and stick with it.
Online shopping can prevent trips to busy stores when you’ve already got a full plate. If you’re uncomfortable with online shopping or it’s not an option, consider asking a family member or friend to help while they’re already out shopping.
If you’re a friend or family member of a caregiver, many acts of kindness can help lighten their load and make their holidays festive. Take over for a morning or afternoon or hire respite care so they can take a break. Offer to prepare a meal or help with shopping. Invite them out for dinner so they can enjoy a quiet meal. Any gesture, small or large, can be a big help.
Even though the holidays can seem overwhelming, it’s not impossible to enjoy them. Try to take it easy. Limit your time commitments to others and make choices that make you happy. Whatever works for you — know that you are not alone, not wrong, and not bad for feeling conflicted or having misgivings about how to celebrate or if to celebrate.
Connecting with others who understand might be especially helpful. Remember, too, that resources are available to help.
The dedicated team at TGen’s Center for Rare Childhood Disorders (also known as the Center) and others continue their groundbreaking research to find answers and develop treatments.
You can help us give hope to families waiting for a diagnosis. Through the generosity of donors, the Center provides genomic testing for families at no charge and continues its work to provide solutions and cures to families and their children.
We hope this magical season renews your spirit. Have a wonderful holiday!