Christmas is supposed to be a time of fun and laughter; lots of lovely food and drink and family get togethers.
But if you, or a close family member have recently had a cancer diagnosis, it can be a tough time of the year.
If your diagnosis was close to xmas, as mine was, coming on 23rd Dec in 2009, then you may not feel like celebrating at all. Which is fine if you live on your own, or don't "do" xmas like me, but if you usually have a house full of relatives and all the festive trimmings that go with it, then you may have to think again and ask someone else in the family to do the honours this year.
If you are in the middle of treatment then you are unlikely to have the energy or stamina for the full round of festivities on the day.
You may be off your food and/or tired so talk to family members beforehand and explain that you may have to have a lie down or won't be able to face cooking the traditional xmas dinner. Don't feel pressured into doing things because its expected of you - your health comes first and the last thing you want is to make yourself bad.
Emotions can be stretched at this time of year anyway and you are bound to be feeling mixed up, especially if your diagnosis is recent. Try not to take to heart comments made by well meaning relatives, especially if they don't know the full extent of your diagnosis or treatment.
Remember to make sure that you have enough of any medication for over the holiday period and keep details of your CNS or Macmillan nurse handy just in case you should need them.
Above all, remember that it is just one day. There will be another around in 365 days time!
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/coping-with-christmas-when-you-have-cancer
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